Eat out to help out

[fanzone]

A couple of local eateries iv visited in the last two weeks seem to be doing a spot of fiddling.

Kettledrum last week instead of using the full menu have a set menu that they charge £10 for yet when looking at original meal prices it's less.

Then the waggoners today have definitely increased the prices somewhat by a couple of quid. (Lasagne priced at £14) (Mix grill used to be under £20 and it's over £21 now)

Absolutely I got a bargain but at waggoners prices on the new printed menus today will see me not returning after the scheme finishes.

[Burnley1989]

As with everything, furlough scheme included companies will take the pi$$ where they can, Ive a very strong suspicion my company have been pulling a fast one

[Wellsy1882]

White bear in barrowford same.

Still cheaper than normal tho.

[claretandy]

Queen Victoria same, smaller menu with prices increased.

On the flip side, i got a mixed grill at the Thatch and Thistle for £2.50 !

[TheFamilyCat]

I don't begrudge pubs and restaurants, that were forced to close for four months, trying to make a few quid. Especially when the punter is getting it at half price.

I did wonder when I was out last week though; what is stopping a business from putting through fake orders and claiming the government contribution?

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

I was in the waggoners this aft also and agree the prices would have been a bit more than normal. No real complaints though as the mrs, her mum, me and toddler all ate off the sandwiches menu (little un had a bowl of chips) for £20 including a glass of pop each.

[MACCA]

Just got back from the Pendle Inn.

Same menu plus specials, same prices.
Great food too.

Got a cracking deal.

[MACCA]

Not on if the companies are fiddling it, they're not only fiddling the government, but you the customer and the tax payer.

Why people try and exploit help being given says a lot about them. Like the OP says, would put me off returning in future.

Just like the corner shops that doubled the prices on much needed items during lockdown, I wouldn't go back when the dust settles.
Exploiting people doesnt sit well with me, especially if they're trying to help you.

[Paul Waine]

I don't begrudge pubs and restaurants, that were forced to close for four months, trying to make a few quid. Especially when the punter is getting it at half price.

I did wonder when I was out last week though; what is stopping a business from putting through fake orders and claiming the government contribution?

It just may be that they need to back it up with a bill that's been paid, guest names, credit card (last 4 digits), that sort of thing.

I'm off out to eat out to help out tonight. I'll keep an eye on how they operate and let you know if I see anything that shouldn't be happening....

[TheFamilyCat]

Just got back from the Pendle Inn.

Same menu plus specials, same prices.
Great food too.

Got a cracking deal.

Yeah but what you save on the deal, you lose on the taxi fare from the nearest parking space.

[TheFamilyCat]

It just may be that they need to back it up with a bill that's been paid, guest names, credit card (last 4 digits), that sort of thing.

I'm off out to eat out to help out tonight. I'll keep an eye on how they operate and let you know if I see anything that shouldn't be happening....

They could put through fake cash receipts or even card payments that were then refunded (friend's or staff member's cards). I'm sure there must be some mechanism in place but on the face of it, it seems very easy to fiddle.

[Bosscat]

Yeah but what you save on the deal, you lose on the taxi fare from the nearest parking space.

Thats why they had the gravy boat... paddled their way back to the car

[ClaretMov]

Just got back from the Pendle Inn.

Same menu plus specials, same prices.
Great food too.

Got a cracking deal.

Was there last Wednesday it's only a mile from my house, I got the black pudding starter and the Pendle pie delicious

[Burnley1989]

They could put through fake cash receipts or even card payments that were then refunded (friend's or staff member's cards). I'm sure there must be some mechanism in place but on the face of it, it seems very easy to fiddle.

I was thinking they could just put it through as payed with cash, made up meal for £100, put through as £50 and owner takes £50 extra off the government 5 days later when they are payed.

[fanzone]

I must say iv had two very good deals on both visits but nothing that will want to make me return if full price were to be charged.

I think they should be using this time for Monday to Wednesday for promotions they can carry on from September.

I rang the waggoners today 30 minutes before taking my seat. If I can get a table of 4 when it's half price then I think they could be in trouble come September.

[Local cricketer]

Went to shimla spice earlier. 12 bottles off cobra, 2 curries and a 2 starters.

16 quid all together

[MACCA]

Yeah but what you save on the deal, you lose on the taxi fare from the nearest parking space.

Parked on the pub car park...

[Granny WeatherWax]

Went to shimla spice earlier. 12 bottles off cobra, 2 curries and a 2 starters.

16 quid all together

Right you did.

[TheFamilyCat]

Parked on the pub car park...

I thought Barley was full?

[Longsidelenny1882]

That sounds a good deal local cricketer where about is shimla spice will the x43 drop me of close bye utc

[Local cricketer]

Right you did.

What's so hard to believe about that?

[Granny WeatherWax]

12 bottles of cobra would be about £48 but realised you said shimla now!

[MACCA]

I thought Barley was full?

Dead, picnic site had a dozen cars on, there was plenty of street parking and the pub car park had plenty of spaces.

Put my steering lock on, and paid someone to keep an eye on the car, it's rough round there....

[bodge]

Did this myself for the first time today, Swan and Cemetery Bury, £10 for pate, Fish and Chips followed by chocolate fudge cake.

Came out feeling like Mr Creosote, place was doing a roaring trade.

I cannot believe the evidence above of a Barley crimewave

[Local cricketer]

That sounds a good deal local cricketer where about is shimla spice will the x43 drop me of close bye utc

Think it does lenny. One in keighley though so closer to colne

[Clarets4me]

Been out twice now under the deal .... Higher Buck at Waddington and Palazzo in Burnley Centre, both were very busy and prices unchanged from previous visits under normal circumstances, clearly quite a bit of money had been spent making both places fit for " Social Distancing " .

[jrgbfc]

Drove past Banny's chippy at Boundary Mill earlier and it was packed, queuing up outside to get in.

[tim_noone]

Chicken madras boiled rice and a peshwari naan £9.50 Tasted Beautiful and fed 2 people Jaipur.. Colne.

[Dy1geo]

I was in one and heard a couple ask for 2 receipts one for the starters and another for the mains presumably trying to get more than the £10 discount. Don’t know if the restaurant obliged.

I think the scheme has overall been a success, a mate who delivers to restaurants said they have never been busier, just hope people still go out when the discount ends.

[Burnleyareback2]

Had a few goes so far, Fence Gate, Cross Gaits and then Wills tonight, the Pendle Inn next week.

In terms of safety measures Wills have that many in place that it was the most relaxed we have been - bloody good meal too.

Cross Gaits doing a great job too and very clearly marked out.

[Burnley1989]

Had a few goes so far, Fence Gate, Cross Gaits and then Wills tonight, the Pendle Inn next week.

In terms of safety measures Wills have that many in place that it was the most relaxed we have been - bloody good meal too.

Cross Gaits doing a great job too and very clearly marked out.

All great places to eat, really enjoyed Cross Gaits when I went recently

[Burnley1989]

I was in one and heard a couple ask for 2 receipts one for the starters and another for the mains presumably trying to get more than the £10 discount. Don’t know if the restaurant obliged.

I think the scheme has overall been a success, a mate who delivers to restaurants said they have never been busier, just hope people still go out when the discount ends.

Imagine being sat with your partner and he’s still trying to con a scheme that’s giving you 50% off

Some people are unbelievable

[dougcollins]

I'm not going out Monday to Wednesday, places full of greedy complaining scuffers.

[TheFamilyCat]

I was in one and heard a couple ask for 2 receipts one for the starters and another for the mains presumably trying to get more than the £10 discount. Don’t know if the restaurant obliged.

I think the scheme has overall been a success, a mate who delivers to restaurants said they have never been busier, just hope people still go out when the discount ends.

We had our mains at one restaurant then went somewhere else for pudding!

[dougcollins]

We had our mains at one restaurant then went somewhere else for pudding!

See what I mean.

[Dazzler]

Just got back from the Pendle Inn.

Same menu plus specials, same prices.
Great food too.

Got a cracking deal.

£12 For a beef burger what was it,a whole cow?

[tim_noone]

£12 For a beef burger what was it,a whole cow?

I find that when most people mention their dining out experiences it's people dropping the big prices scenario and how much they've spent.... I like a bargain and value for Money as per my £9.50 post....grab yourself a real bargain.

[MACCA]

£12 For a beef burger what was it,a whole cow?

It came on a nice bun with all the trimmings, bacon, cheese , fancy relish, chips, salad etc.

You pay £8 at Burger king these days and it isnt a proper butchers burger.

I'd rather my lad had that meal at £12 ( £6 with the help out discount ) than go for a similar priced option at KFC or Burger King.

[Dazzler]

It came on a nice bun with all the trimmings, bacon, cheese , fancy relish, chips, salad etc.

You pay £8 at Burger king these days and it isnt a proper butchers burger.

I'd rather my lad had that meal at £12 ( £6 with the help out discount ) than go for a similar priced option at KFC or Burger King.

I suppose the fancy relish bumps the price up.

Do you get a few quid knocked off if you don't want Bacon & Cheese?

[Danieljwaterhouse]

See what I mean.

There’s absolutely no limit the number of times it can be used

[ksrclaret]

I'm not going out Monday to Wednesday, places full of greedy complaining scuffers.

Disgusting that people have the temerity to turn up to eateries with scuffed shoes. You're right to avoid those establishments. Unacceptable.

[CaptainKirk]

Bloody tourists

[Paul Waine]

They could put through fake cash receipts or even card payments that were then refunded (friend's or staff member's cards). I'm sure there must be some mechanism in place but on the face of it, it seems very easy to fiddle.

And, when they ask to look at their incoming and outgoing cash, what then? Are they going to pay tax on the "fake cash" entries they've put through their books? or they food purchases don't match with the "claimed" food sold?

If the tax people are concerned and think there may be "something funny" going on, they might decide to send someone round to eat at the establishment, stay all day as a "secret diner" then announce themselves when they've counted how many people ate there that day and ask to check those numbers with the books....

It's an awful lot of effort to carry out a tiny fiddle with little to be gained and a lot to be lost...

Of course, then you might also get a visit from the food hygiene team...

[cricketfieldclarets]

Chicken madras boiled rice and a peshwari naan £9.50 Tasted Beautiful and fed 2 people Jaipur.. Colne.

Have t been there in years will have to visit

[tim_noone]

Have t been there in years will have to visit

Highly reccomend that dish....

[boatshed bill]

I never eat out. I'm far too health conscious to even consider it

[Paul Waine]

It just may be that they need to back it up with a bill that's been paid, guest names, credit card (last 4 digits), that sort of thing.

I'm off out to eat out to help out tonight. I'll keep an eye on how they operate and let you know if I see anything that shouldn't be happening....

So, mixed results on my "eat out" tonight. No complaints with the bill. First they showed VAT reduction off both food and soft drinks, then there was £40 (4 of us) of the bill.

On the "disappointing" side, booked for 7:30pm, menu brought to us at 8pm, drinks about the same time - then another hour before starters were served and a further delay before main course.

I was trying somewhere I've not been to for sometime. They'd just had a "makeover" before lockdown. Premises look good. They now need to train their staff how to run a restaurant....

[TheFamilyCat]

And, when they ask to look at their incoming and outgoing cash, what then? Are they going to pay tax on the "fake cash" entries they've put through their books? or they food purchases don't match with the "claimed" food sold?

If the tax people are concerned and think there may be "something funny" going on, they might decide to send someone round to eat at the establishment, stay all day as a "secret diner" then announce themselves when they've counted how many people ate there that day and ask to check those numbers with the books....

It's an awful lot of effort to carry out a tiny fiddle with little to be gained and a lot to be lost...

Of course, then you might also get a visit from the food hygiene team...

Dunno. I don't know, or have claimed to know the mechanisms of the scheme. It just struck me, while I was eating out that there seemed to be a fairly easy opportunity for businesses to fiddle it. I also said that I'm sure there must be a mechanism in place to prevent it.

I'd be surprised if HMRC, or whoever it falls to is able to check the authenticity of every claim from every restaurant in the country.

[claretandy]

We had our mains at one restaurant then went somewhere else for pudding!

Some places have lifted the £10 cap.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Went to Spago early evening yesterday (2nd time) and it has the same menu as always and same prices, Monkfish curry for £9.50 not to be sniffed at.

As for places making bogus claims seems a lot of hassle with the extra they would pay in VAT & tax to bother with, if though any establishment is found out to be doing so after some were given a 10k payment around April, furloughed their staff and now been given extra help with this scheme hopefully they are found and are made to pay all of it back and if it closes them down then tough s**t.