How to make eating out cheaper as inflation soars

Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 9% in the year to April, up from an already high 7% in March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

As we face higher bills – on everything from energy to food shopping – new research from Advertising Week Europe suggests that eating out is one of the first things people will try cut back on, with more than two-thirds of consumers saying this is where they would try to make savings.

How to reduce your energy bills

Luckily there are a few savvy ways to save some money on your next meal out, from using discount codes to mystery shopping or changing-up the way you dine out. 

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Go al fresco

Yes, it's not restaurant dining, but there's something special about enjoying a meal with friends whether it's outside or in. 

As the weather warms up it's the perfect chance to save some money on meals out - go al fresco. 

Pre-making a devillishly good dinner and taking it with you, grabbing some candles and bringing your own drinks could save you an awful lot of money at the end of the night.

If you don't have the time to make something before you go, grab some of your favourite tapas bites from the nearest shop and get down to a beautiful park near you.

As the weather warms up it's the perfect chance to save some money on meals out - go al fresco. 

Get into mystery shopping

Having tried it herself, TV presenter, money expert and MoneyMagpie founder Jasmine Birtles (moneymagpie.com) is a big advocate for mystery shopping.

“You go as a normal customer, but you get your money back for what you’ve spent, and write up a report of the experience,” she explains. “You get a certain amount of money to spend, and a little bit of pay on top of that. It’s a great way to eat out for free.”

Birtles suggests signing up at JKS (jksmysteryshopping.co.uk), but also urges caution as some sites might operate with ‘pay-to-join’ schemes.

Shop around for deals

Shopping around for the best deals and discounts, and picking your days wisely could help you save some cash.

“OpenTable.com has great deals near you, and if you go earlier in the evening you will get a cheaper meal,” says Birtles. “Voucher sites like Groupon (groupon.co.uk) have special deals if you want to save money while celebrating a special occasion.”

Shopping around for the best deals and discounts, and picking your days wisely could help you save some cash.

Verena Hallam, money blogger at Surviving To Saving (survivingtosaving.com), also recommends getting bang for your buck at a chain restaurant. “Chain restaurants often offer regular offers, such as 50% off Pizza Express pizzas with their app, so keep an eye out for these deals,” she says.

“Searching for restaurant voucher codes when planning where to go is always a good idea, or you can make the most of dinner clubs such as Gourmet Society or Tastecard, both of which offer free trials, which give you discounts at some chains.”

And don’t forget to ask about any discounts that may come with your occupation.

Hallam says: “If you work for the NHS, you’ll often be given discount if you have a Blue Light Card, or via schemes you can sign up to using your NHS email address – and don’t forget about student discount if you’re still at uni.”

Get dessert out

If you are desperate for an evening out but are a bit tight on money, consider eating dinner at home and going out for ice cream, or another cheaper dessert.

A dessert date may save you a few quid (Alamy/PA)

Order tap water or find a BYOB near you

Hallam says: “Skipping drinks and asking for tap water is a great way to reduce your bill, and some restaurants will even allow you to bring your own booze – but check in advance whether there is a corkage fee.”

At the end of the day, the beauty of going out for dinner is to create memories with loved ones - it doesn't need to cost the earth.