With Cumbria being world-famous for its local produce and household name foods, businesses right across the county which offer on-premises dining are being encouraged to sign up to the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme – not just to help the food and drink sector, but tourism across the board.

As Cumbria Tourism continues to help businesses overcome the financial difficulties caused by the effects of Covid-19, the organisation is urging people to use the scheme as a springboard to go-on to explore everything the county has to offer, in addition to enjoying a tasty meal at a discounted price.

Nationwide, more than 32,000 restaurants have signed-up to the scheme so far.

Designed to encourage further confidence among consumers as lockdown measures continue to

ease, from next week, every household will be entitled to dine at a discount at participating businesses, where from August, meals from Monday to Wednesday will be sold at a 50% discount (of up £10), including children’s meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

It is not just restaurants which are eligible, but all establishments that sell food for consumption on the premises.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “The Lake District is famous for Herdwick Lamb, Cumberland Sausage, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Grasmere Gingerbread, just to name a few, so it would be great to see strong support for the scheme here.

"This government-subsidised initiative not only means businesses will benefit, but it also means attractive savings for residents and visitors. Plus, it also provides an incentive for people to visit new and inspirational parts of the county, or to rediscover those places they have missed in recent months, through day trips or longer stays.

“So, enjoy a meal with a great view or an afternoon tea at one of our many hotels, then combine it with a visit to an attraction or cultural venue like Tullie House or Windermere Jetty for example. It’s a perfect opportunity for friends and family to reconnect, with the added bonus of being able to take advantage of the discounts on meals as many times as they like.”

Gill Haigh added: “Cumbria is not only the home of world class landscapes, but of world class food. Let us not forget, we are proud to have more Michelin stars anywhere north of London, which immediately sets the tone!

"This is a great opportunity for all businesses which offer eat-in food to get back on the road to recovery, which must not disappear in the wake of Covid-19.

“Businesses have been working very hard to offer a Covid-secure environment, meaning those who dine can be assured of not just a great food experience but also a safe and reassuring one.

"By using the Eat Out to Help Out scheme residents and visitors will also be supporting businesses and safeguarding jobs and livelihoods.”

The scheme launches on August 3, when each participating establishment will simply deduct the discount from the bill, so no vouchers are needed. In the coming days, participating businesses will receive window stickers so customers can look out for the logo.

Cumbria Tourism will promote participating businesses on a comprehensive list on its visitor facing website www.visitlakedistrict.com, which people can also use to plan other activities right across the county.

Details of how to sign-up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme is at Cumbria Tourism’s Covid-19 information hub at www.cumbriatourism.org.