Shelley Sandzer: Together is better

The Eat out to Help Out Scheme was a godsend to the beleaguered restaurant sector. The discount to consumers went further than just a cut price meal, it was both a call to arms and a signal that restaurants were open for business. While several operators reported the scheme led to sales levels being back up to 2019 on a like-for-like basis, on the days of the week the offer was not running, sales volumes invariably slid. With children now back at school, workers being encouraged back to their desks, and the furlough scheme winding down, there is the potential for quieter times ahead as we do not have either the time or the money for those lazy weekday afternoon meals.