Mail Online

How to make half-term twice as fun at half the price

From free meals for children to joyous days out on a shoestring, the final part of our ingenious squeeze busting series reveals...

SHE’S probably our most celebrated actress, with an Oscar and a damehood to her name, but Judi Dench is already overshadowed by her grandson, Sam, according to her partner, David Mills. Sam, 24, has become a hit on teenagers’ favourite video-sharing app TikTok after posting videos of himself, often with his distinguished granny, 87. And he attracted interest because of his likeness to pop superstar Ed Sheeran. ‘Sammy came with us to LA for the Oscars and people wanted to talk to him rather than Judi, because they think he is the TikTok king,’ conservationist Mills, 78, tells me at the Chelsea Flower Show. ‘It’s amazing.’

mobile apps. McDonald’s offers 20 per cent off your first order on theirs.

DON’T FORGET SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

HunDreDs of restaurants offer student, senior and blue-light discounts — so remember to claim when you visit if eligible. Frankie & Benny’s currently offers 20 per cent off food for those who work in the nHs or Armed Forces.

If you happen to work in a restaurant, don’t forget to apply

your staff discount.

GO FOR PRE-THEATRE MEAL DEALS

IF you happen to be going to watch a show or film, research neighbouring restaurants to see if any of these offer pre-theatre dining offers. you can get amazing deals such as money off, two or three courses for a set price, free drinks and more.

A huge list of London restaurants with pre-show menus can be found at theatresmart.com.

In fact, even if you’re not going somewhere afterwards and are willing to dine early, you can still make the most of special deals.

Website 5pm.co.uk was set up specifically to cater to people who plan to dine early.

GET LUNCH INSTEAD OF DINNER

To encourAge footfall, restaurants regularly offer tempting lunchtime deals where you get the same food that is served in the evening and for far less.

Harvester restaurants offer a two- or three-course set lunch from £10.49, for example.

DON’T BE SHY, ASK FOR A DOGGY BAG

IF you can’t eat everything, don’t waste it. Ask to take it home in a takeaway box. Don’t be shy! you have paid for the food and deserve to get your money’s worth. you’ll end up with an extra meal for later.

some restaurants are now refusing to give diners doggy bags. If that’s the case then complain to the owner (there is usually a contact form on their website) as this may help change the policy. It will be helpful for customers in future to make the most of the food for which they’ve paid.

JOIN LOYALTY SCHEMES

LoyALTy cards are worth it if you visit a particular restaurant often. you are rewarded with free starters, desserts, sides and drinks when you visit the location a certain number of times. A free treat never goes amiss!

nando’s, for example, has a great reward scheme. you collect a chilli point every time you spend over £7. When you reach three chilli points, you can start claiming free food.

not bad if you are a nando’s fiend.

BEAT THE SQU££ZE

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2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

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