Manchester is packed with incredible eateries, cafes, restaurants and pubs - we really are spoilt for choice in the city. From gourmet food served in gorgeous beer gardens, to unique limited edition creations served in bowling alleys - Manchester has it all and more, but with a desire to try each and every one, dining out can soon get expensive.
However, there are a few ways you can shave a couple of quid off your bill without the need for mobile apps, voucher codes and saving receipts. In fact, it just takes a bit of creativity and forward planning.
SurreyLive food writer Laura Nightingale has had her fair share of meals out over the years, and has shared her top tips for going out to eat on a budget.
She said: "Whether you enjoy going out for lunch with friends, coffee with colleagues or a romantic dinner for two, there are ways you can save yourself a bit of cash when it comes to paying the bill. With the cost of living rising and many people feeling the pinch, and while coupons are excellent for those of us who are super organised, they are not ideal for people who forget or don't have time to scour the Internet before heading out for a meal."
Below are 14 secrets for saving yourself some money when you're out and about this summer, or you just don't fancy cooking at home. From the best time to go out to eat, to food and drinks to avoid, the simple suggestions will work at restaurants not just in Manchester, but anywhere in the UK.
1. Choose lunch over dinner
Many restaurants offer a cheaper lunch menu, so if you can go earlier in the day, do so. This is especially true for Michelin star restaurants.
2. Go out for brunch
Blend two meals into one big one to save yourself eating twice. Brunch is also cheaper than dinner.
3. Get the birthday discount
Sign up for the newsletter of your favourite restaurant. They often send out a discount code to you on your birthday.
4. Skip tea and coffee
Wait until you get home to have a brew or nightcap.
5. Share a meal
Choose one main meal and a few sides to share. Rice, chips and side salads are great for filling you up and cheaper too.
6. Don't pass on bread
If there's complimentary bread, eat it. It will fill you up and you may not need a dessert afterwards.
7. Take it away
Takeaways don't include a pricey service charge, plus lots of restaurants now offer delivery via Deliveroo. If you're at a coffee shop, ask for your drink 'to go' to avoid the drink-in tax. Enjoy your beverage on a public bench in the fresh air instead.
8. Kids eat free
Many chain restaurants such as Beefeater and Marks and Spencer are allowing children to eat free during the school summer holidays in August 2022. Make the most of it while you can.
9. Go on a weekday
There are often promotions during the week such as 'Burger Mondays' or 'Curry Wednesdays' where you can scoop up a deal without even realising it.
10. Skip the nibbles
While it may be tempting to munch on olives while you peruse the menu, kindly decline the Mediterranean offer as they aren't that cheap.
11. Ask for tap water
Choose free tap water over spring or sparkling. A glass bottle of the stuff can set you back at least £3.
12. Offer to drive
Alcohol is often the most expensive thing when it comes to eating out, with a bottle normally costing more than the main course. Take it in turns to drive so you don't splurge your whole budget on booze.
13. Share dessert
We often just need something small and sweet to round off a meal. So instead of indulging in a lavish pudding alone, ask for one dessert with two spoons.
14. Doggy bag
And finally, if you don't finish your meal, ask for it to be boxed up. Leftovers always taste better the next day anyway.
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