In week commencing 3 August 2020, almost half of consumers stated they wanted to use the Eat Out to Help Out scheme but hadn’t yet. In the following week, week commencing 10 August 2020, this figure dropped to 33% as scheme uptake for total August jumped from 23% to 37%. This uptake reflects in booking figures, with Open Table reporting that restaurants have been on average 27% fuller than they were during the same period (Monday to Wednesday) in August 2019. We expect further new users this week.
This came as consumers began using the scheme more regularly for higher ticket bills, shifting penetration to pub restaurants from cafés. This was potentially due to consumers enjoying pub gardens in the good weather last week, so usage in the pub channel could slow this week.
