A Coalville pub says it is 'very happy' with the Government's Eat Out To Help Out scheme.

It was introduced in August to encourage people back into pubs and restaurants after lockdown.

Customers get a 50 per cent discount when they eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

Trade publication the Morning Advertiser reports on how the Bulls Head at Abbots Oak has worked with the scheme.

The article says: "Following the success of the EOTHO scheme at their pub, Star Pubs & Bars licensees Graham and Lindsay Croft, who run the Bulls Head at Coalville in Leicestershire, decided to offer 20 per cent off food from Monday to Wednesday during September, October and November out of concern trade would drop off as a result of children returning to school, more people returning to work and the onset of winter weather.

"Sales in the first two weeks of September were well up compared to early week trade pre-lockdown," Graham explained.

"As more restrictions have been announced, it is now keeping business at pre-Covid levels, which we're very happy with.

"The promotion provides an incentive to keep people coming out and that, in turn, keeps their confidence up – something we believe is going to be critical to maintaining trade over the winter months."

He added that with the new and changing rules and curfews the industry has to try everything to encourage people to keep visiting pubs.

"In terms of trading patterns, Thursdays are slightly quieter as a result of the offer but Friday to Sunday is as busy as ever, so overall, the promotion pays off," he continued. "Even with a 20 per cent discount, we are still getting a decent profit margin.

"People are still taking the discount into account and opting for the higher priced dishes."