College Welcomes Eat Out to Help Out Initiative

The Government’s initiative ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, set to run from 3 to 31 August, and which aims to help restart the hospitality industry, is welcomed by South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

The scheme allows diners to claim a discount of up to 50% (maximum £10 per person) when eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages in participating establishments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Participating establishments may include, restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, work canteens, school canteens and food halls. 

The hope is that the scheme will help provide a boost to the hospitality industry, which was affected during lockdown, the government also hopes the scheme will boost confidence in going out and increase footfall at the quieter end of the week. 

Paul Mercer Deputy Head of the School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages at SERC said, “It’s great to see this initiative being brought in to help boost the sector following widespread temporary closures during the coronavirus lockdown. The scheme works well with our own Taking Hospitality to New Heights campaign launched earlier this year which addresses some of the challenges facing the sector but also promoting the vibrant and rewarding career opportunities for young people in the hospitality sector. 

“Hopefully, people will take the opportunity to dine out locally and experience the fine cuisine available on their doorstep, often prepared by our very own students, past and present.   It is a vital step towards the recovery of the hospitality and tourism sector which offers a career path for many young people across Northern Ireland.”  

To find a participating restaurant near you, click here.

Apply now for courses commencing September 2020. Visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be #BetterOffAtSERC 

Caption 1: No 14 at the Georgian House Comber, one of the participating restaurants in the Government’s campaign to help boost the hospitality industry. Pictured (prior to lockdown) is head chef Jim Mulholland (second left), with past and present SERC students, Courtney Johnston, Rachel Carson and Conor McGrogan.

Caption 2: Head Chef, Michael Keenan, Quinns Bar Newcastle, one of the participating restaurants in the Eat Out to Help Out campaign to boost the hospitality industry.   Michael trained at South Eastern Regional College and is passionate about training and mentoring young people for work in the hospitality sector.