Families looking to cut the cost of eating out this summer are set to benefit from one of the UK’s biggest restaurant promotions, with The Big Table Group announcing that children will eat free throughout the entire school summer holidays across more than 200 restaurants nationwide.
The hospitality group, which owns popular restaurant chains including Bella Italia, Frankie & Benny’s, Banana Tree, Las Iguanas, and Chiquito, says the initiative is designed to help families enjoy meals together during one of the year’s most expensive periods.
A Bigger Saving Than the Government VAT Reduction
The announcement comes shortly after the UK Government temporarily reduced VAT on children’s meals from 20% to 5%.
Rather than simply passing on the tax saving, The Big Table Group says it is investing further by offering one free children’s meal with every adult main course purchased across participating restaurants during the summer holidays.
The promotion runs from 20 July until 1 September, covering the full six-week school break.
Depending on the restaurant brand, children will receive a meal including:
- Main course
- Sides
- Dessert
- Drink
(Menu options vary slightly between restaurants.)
Charlotte Dewhurst: “Dining Out Shouldn’t Be a Luxury”
Charlotte Dewhurst, Marketing Director at The Big Table Group, said:
“Families continue to face difficult choices about how they spend their money during the school holidays. Dining out should be something everyone can enjoy, not a luxury.
“While others are passing on a tax saving, we’ve chosen to invest much more in supporting families. By offering Kids Eat Free across every one of our restaurant brands throughout the entire summer holidays, we’re helping parents enjoy quality time together without worrying so much about the cost.
“Whether it’s pasta at Bella Italia, burgers at Frankie & Benny’s, Southeast Asian favourites at Banana Tree or sizzling fajitas at Las Iguanas, we’re looking forward to welcoming families into our restaurants all summer long.”
What’s Included at Each Restaurant?
Bella Italia
Italian favourites including freshly prepared pasta, pizzas and classic Italian dishes are all on the menu.
Children receive:
- Starter
- Main course
- Dessert
- Drink
Bella Italia is also rewarding returning guests with:
- Free gelato when purchasing a main meal
- 25% off food on a second visit
- 50% off food on a third visit until the end of October.
Official website: Bella Italia
Frankie & Benny’s
The American-Italian restaurant chain is serving its signature menu of:
- Burgers
- Hand-stretched sourdough pizzas
- Pasta dishes
- Diner classics
Kids receive:
- Main
- Two sides
- Dessert
- Drink
Additional offers include:
- Free ice cream with every adult main meal
- 25% off food on a second visit
- 50% off food on a third visit until the end of October.
Official website: Frankie & Benny’s
Banana Tree
Fans of Southeast Asian cuisine can enjoy dishes including:
- Katsu curries
- Wok-fried noodles
- BBQ wings
The restaurant also notes that over 40% of its menu is plant-based, offering plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Official website: Banana Tree
Las Iguanas
Families visiting Las Iguanas can enjoy Latin American-inspired cuisine including the popular Niños menu, with children receiving:
- Main course
- Two sides
- Dessert
Official website: Las Iguanas
Chiquito
The Mexican-inspired restaurant chain is also taking part, giving families another affordable dining option throughout the school holidays.
Official website: Chiquito
Helping Families During the Summer Holidays
With household budgets continuing to face pressure from the rising cost of living, The Big Table Group says it hopes the promotion will allow thousands of families to enjoy meals together without worrying about the bill.
The company operates over 220 restaurants across the UK under brands including Bella Italia, Frankie & Benny’s, Banana Tree, Las Iguanas, Chiquito, Café Rouge and Amalfi.
Families should note that the promotion is available at participating restaurants only, with one free children’s meal available for every adult main purchased, subject to individual restaurant terms and conditions.
For more information and to find your nearest participating restaurant, visit:
