Next week’s half term holidays means extra expense from families – but a host of well known restaurant chains and others are offering big savings
The February half term is looming for families up and down the country.
And while next week will mean a break from school for the kids, it also brings with it juggling childcare and work for many parents. Along with that – and for those who take the time off – there is also the added expense. Coming so soon after many families are still paying off Christmas, it means a further drain on households’ finances.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a hit to the wallet. Whether it be free activities – from museums to walks in the countryside or a park – it is possible to get out and about on a budget.
One way families can be left with a big bill is eating out, however. Yet you can find supermarket cafés, chain restaurants, pubs, and other places offering brilliant value for families during the school holidays. These kids eat free and kids eat for £1 deals are usually available at breakfast, lunch, or dinner throughout the February half term. The website VoucherCodes.co.uk has rounded up the best deals for cheap eats.
As always, it is worth checking the full details and T&Cs before you go: some offers require an adult meal to be purchased or are limited to certain days or times.
In-store cafes
Where: ASDA Cafes
What: Kids eat for £1 (kids hot meal deal or cold pick and mix selection) with no adult minimum spend.
When: All day, every day, for the year.
Where: Dobbies Garden Centres
What: Kids eat for £1 (children’s breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast or a child’s hot meal or pick n mix lunch box with an adult main meal), £1 supplement applies to kids Sunday roast at selected restaurants.
When: Daily, breakfast until 11.30am and then 12pm to 3pm.
Where: Dunelm Pausa Cafes
What: Kids eat free with every £4 spent in the cafe (choose a kids main, drink and two snacks).
When: All day, every day.
Where: Morrisons Cafes
What: One free kids meal with one adult meal costing £5 or more. Child must be under 16 years old.
When: All day, every day.
Restaurant chains and pubs
Where: Angus Steakhouse
What: One child aged 8 and under eats free per full-paying adult with a main course from the main menu.
When: Every day, 12 to 5pm (excludes Saturdays at London Bond Street and Oxford Street branches).
Where: Ask Italian
What: Available through the ASK Perks rewards app and entitles up to two kids meals for free with at least one full price adult main meal.
When: From February 8 to 22 (excludes February 14 from 5pm)
Where: Bella Italia
What: Kids can enjoy three courses and a drink for free or £1.
When: Sunday – Thursday, one kid ( aged two to 11 years old) eats free all day with every adult meal
Where: Cafe Rouge
What: Kids can eat for free with the purchase of any adult main meal.
When: Every day from 12pm – 4pm
Where: Franco Manca (selected pizzerias)
What: One kid (aged 12 years and under) gets a free individual kids pizza for every full-priced adult main meal.
When: Monday to Thursday. Availability may vary per restaurant so check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Where: Frankie and Benny’s
What: Kids can eat for free with every adult main meal purchased.
When: All day, every day during school holidays. Availability may vary per restaurant so check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Where: Ikea
What: For just 95p, kids can enjoy pasta, tomato sauce, a soft drink and a piece of fruit at Ikea
When: Every day from 11am, no purchase of an adult meal necessary.
Where: Las Iguanas (selected restaurants only)
What: One kid (up to 12 years old) gets a free main, dessert and drink from the Niños menu when an adult orders a main course from the a la carte menu, when you download the app and join My Iguanas. Maximum one app perk can be redeemed per table.
When: Every day (lunch menu not included).
Where: Marco Pierre White Restaurants
What: Kids under 12 can get a free main with each full-paying adult main course from the a la carte menu.
When: Throughout the school holidays, excluding Saturdays after 6pm. Dates, time and availability may vary per restaurant so check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Where: OK Diners
What: One child under 10 eats free (from the children’s menu) when an adult purchases a main course from the à la carte menu (at all OK Diners except those on the A1).
When: All day, every day.
Where: Preto
What: One child up to 10 years old eats free per full-paying adult (once you’ve filled in your details on the website and downloaded the voucher).
When: All weekend, and every weekday from 4pm.
Where: Purezza
What: One kid under 10 eats free (mini pizza with one topping) with every full paying adult.
When: Every day.
Where: Sizzling Pubs
What: One kids main meal for £1 per adult main meal (excludes breakfast or any other offer or set menu).
When: From 3pm to 7pm, Mondays to Fridays (from 12pm during school holidays).
Where: Slug & Lettuce
What: One kids main meal for £1 per adult main meal.
When: Every Sunday (selected venues only). Availability may vary per restaurant so check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Where: The Real Greek
What: One free kids meal (from the kids menu) for every £15 adult spend, for children under 12.
When: Sundays.
Where: Yo Sushi
What: Kids eat free with a full-paying adult (minimum £10 spend). Includes sushi, Japanese hot favourites, or kiddo bento boxes.
When: All day in the school holidays.
Where: Zizzi (selected restaurants)
What: Kids can get a free Bambini meal with the purchase of each adult main meal when you download the app and join the Zillionaires’ Club. Maximum six free Bambini meals per table.
When: From February 16 to 22
Breakfast freebies for kids
Where: Beefeater
What: Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free for every adult unlimited breakfast costing £10.99
When: Until 10.30am weekdays and 11am weekends
Where: Brewers Fayre
What: Two kids under 16 eat free with every adult breakfast, plus you can get a three course kids menu for just £6.49
When: Breakfast is 6:30am to 10:30am on weekdays and 7am to 11am on the weekend.
Where: Premier Inn
What: Up to two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with an adult full Premier Inn Breakfast or a Meal Deal.
When: Breakfast is available at most Premier Inns, every day.
Where: The Lounges Restaurants (selected restaurants only)
What: Free breakfast during the school holidays for Little Loungers. Kids can enjoy cereals, fruits, toast and more for free.
When: School holidays. Not all Lounges offer the deal, contact your local venue to find out if they are.
Where: Table Table
What: Two kids aged under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult breakfast purchased. Kids can also get two courses for just £4.99
When: Breakfast times vary depending on hotel.
Where: Travelodge hotels with an open on site Bar Café
What: Kids under 15 eat breakfast for £1 with every full paying adult.
When: Breakfast times vary depending on hotel
Where: Whitbread Inns
What: Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult full breakfast. Adult breakfast costs £20.99 per person.
When: 6:30am until 10:30am Monday to Friday, and 7am until 11am Saturday and Sunday
