The Big Table Group has announced its biggest ever family dining offer with children eating free throughout the entire summer holidays across all of its UK restaurant brands.
The leading hospitality group, which operates more than 200 restaurants including Bella Italia, Frankie & Benny’s, Banana Tree, Las Iguanas and Chiquito, is introducing the initiative to help make eating out more affordable for families during the six-week school break.
Credit: The Big Table Group
The announcement comes as the Government has temporarily reduced VAT on children’s meals from 20% to 5%. While some operators have chosen to pass those savings directly to customers, The Big Table Group is going significantly further by offering a completely free children’s meal with every adult main course purchased across all of its brands.
The Big Table Group has already reduced children’s meals by 15% VAT, but once the summer holidays start, ALL their restaurants will give away free children’s meals every day of the holidays (July 20-September 1).
The offer gives children a complete meal, including a main course, sides, dessert and drink (menu inclusions vary slightly by brand), representing one of the most generous family dining offers available this summer.
Charlotte Dewhurst, The Big Table Group’s Marketing Director, 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.”
The summer initiative spans all of The Big Table Group’s major brands, each offering its own unique family dining experience:
Frankie & Benny’s will welcome families with its much-loved New York Italian menu, featuring burgers, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, hearty pasta dishes and diner favourites. Children receive a complete kids’ meal, including a main, two sides, dessert and drink.
The restaurant will also go one step further and offer free ice cream for all guests when purchasing a main meal, for a second visit 25% off ALL food and a third visit during the holidays 50% off ALL food until the end of October.
At Bella Italia, families can enjoy authentic Italian classics including freshly prepared pasta, pizzas and Italian favourites. Children receive a starter, main, dessert and drink free with an adult main.
Bella Italia will also offer free gelato to all guests when purchasing a main meal, 25% off all food for a second visit and 50% off all food for a third visit until the end of October.
Banana Tree brings vibrant Southeast Asian flavours to family dining, with favourites including Katsu Curries, wok-fried noodles and BBQ wings. With more than 40% of its menu plant-based, the restaurant offers options for a wide range of dietary preferences.
At Las Iguanas, families can enjoy Latin American-inspired dishes in a colourful, relaxed atmosphere, while children receive a free meal including a main, two sides and dessert from the popular Niños menu.
Chiquito will also participate in the nationwide promotion, giving families another affordable option for dining together during the holidays.
The Kids Eat Free offer runs throughout the summer holidays across participating restaurants nationwide. One free children’s meal is available with every adult main purchased, with terms and conditions applying.
With household budgets remaining under pressure, the initiative will enable thousands of families to enjoy affordable meals together during one of the most expensive times of the year.