A large number of restaurants in north Herts have signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched by chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Intended to boost restaurants who are facing challenging times due to the coronavirus crisis, the initiative has seen a number of eateries in Hitchin join up – along with many others across our area, including the nearby town of Stevenage.

Reports of people snapping up discounted dining have been commonplace, following months of eating in through lockdown.

Some even claimed they'd mark the project by taking in a full breakfast in a pub or cafe, following by a half-price pub lunch before dining out for dinner.

Business and industry minister Nadhim Zahawi told BBC Breakfast: "I'm looking forward to going out and using the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to make sure me and my family enjoy a nice meal over those few days."

Certain businesses, including J.D. Wetherspoon, have cut prices due to a 15 per cent VAT drop on food and soft drinks - meaning eating out has never been cheaper.

Mr Sunak said: "Our Eat Out to Help Out scheme's number one aim is to help protect the jobs of 1.8 million chefs, waiters and restaurateurs by boosting demand and getting customers through the door.

"More than 72,000 establishments will be serving discounted meals across the country, with the government paying half the bill.

"The industry is a vital ingredient to our economy and it's been hit hard by coronavirus, so enjoy summer safely by showing your favourite places your support - we'll pay half."

The list of Stevenage businesses that have signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Subway, High Street, The Forum, Town Square

The Cromwell Hotel, High Street

Rump & Wade, High Street

Sala Thong Stevenage, High Street

The Fisherman, Fishers Green

Mad Hatter Cafe, Queensway

Bar&Beyond, Kings Way Leisure Park

JJ's Plaice, Market Place

Mr Mulligan's, Kings Way Leisure Park

360 Play, Six Hills Way

Stevenage Garden Centre, North Road

Daisy's Kitchen, The Oval

Partyman World, Roaring Meg Retail Park

Creams Cafe, Roaring Meg Retail Park

The Farmhouse at Redcoats, Little Wymondley

Cafe de Pierre, Roaring Meg Retail Park

Waggon and Horses, Graveley

Bucks Head Pub, Little Wymondley

The list of restaurants in Hitchin taking part in the scheme are as follows.

Lussmanns

Bar Azita

Deroka

The Groundworks

Chilli B's

Kite at The Red Hart

Fussey & Baer

Regent Cottage

Costa Cofffee

Mevan

Bridge Street Bistro.