Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about how to save money eating out
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Eating out in the UK
Eating out in the UK can often be expensive, so it tends to be a once in a while treat. Even these treats are getting less common with the cost of living going up and families consequently having less cash available. However, it doesn’t have to be so difficult, there are still some good deals to save money eating out, if you know where to look.
Best Budget Chain Restaurants
Many UK chain restaurants have fairly decent budget meals. So it’s worth looking at their menus to see if you can find any that suit your tastes and wallet.
Here are some good budget chain restaurants in the UK:
Wetherspoon’s
Everywhere in the UK seems to have a Wetherspoon’s. As parents it can be an easy place to go with the kids, there is some sort of pub food that everyone will eat and it’s particularly cheap. Only around £5.60 for a kids meal and around £10 for an adult meal. Think burgers, fish and chips and pizza.
Pizza Express
As the name suggests its main fare is pizza, but you will also find various pasta dishes. Adult meals are around £16 and the kids menu is £7.75 for 3 courses (drink not included). They also have a special deal for a classic pizza only £7.95 Monday-Wednesday if you join the PizzaExpress Club (free app).
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is well known for their pizza buffet. It’s actually pretty good value too, only £9.99 for unlimited buffet pizza and salad on weekdays and £7.99 for kids buffet. Slightly more expensive at weekends and bank holidays at £15.99 for buffet. But as it’s unlimited it could be a good way to fill up!
Wagamama
If you are looking for Asian dishes, then Wagamama is a good choice. They have everything from ramen to teppanyaki and curry. Adult main meals are around the £10 mark and kids are Around £5 for the main meal. Something a little different to the standard pizza or burgers.
Nando’s
Nando’s restaurants are famous for their peri-peri spices. Here you can order, pitas, wraps and burgers amongst other food. Most meals are under £10 for adults and £5.95 for kids. A pretty good meal option if you want something a bit spicier!
All of these restaurants are fairly cheap, but as they are chain restaurants you won’t be getting the most amazing food. Which is understandable considering the lower costs. Fortunately there’s another option that might mean eating in more expensive restaurants for a similar price to these budget ones. Step in Tastecard!
Tastecard UK
By subscribing to Tastecard you can get great discounts on local restaurants. These may include big name chain restaurants such as Burger King or Pizza Hut, but also local independent restaurants.
In my area I can get 2 for 1 Monday to Sunday at local hotel and independent restaurants. Other restaurants offer between 25-50% of the total bill. Often these don’t include kids meals, so more worthwhile when dining out with another adult. You can find plenty of Edinburgh dinner deals at Tastecard, along with other cities around the UK. So definitely check them out if you need to save money when eating out.
