I put a reference to this in the LHR T5 guide, but having topped some more bracken I've decided it is probably best to create a new thread so that Flyertalkers can report back on their experiences of the scheme. For those not into the minutae of UK politics, HMG, in its infinite wisdom, has come up with a scheme called Eat Out to Help Out. Yes, and apologies to our more sophisticated Australian and New Zealand visitors: rather than calling it something like the Hospitality Assistance Scheme, this is the real, official title of Rishi Sunak's game plan to reinvigorate a sector hard hit by the pandemic.

At the core is a 50% discount on eating out in restaurants, up to £10 maxima per person, adult or child. You don't need a voucher, or to be a UK resident to use the scheme. So a couple having a £40 meal should end up paying £20 total, there should be an itemised line on the bill showing Mr. Sunak's contribution to your waistline. Alcohol and takeaway food are not allowed, but you are allowed a doggy-bag so long as you start eating on the premises. It's cunning in a way, since rather than giving a straight subsidy to the industry, he is getting the public to pick up at least half the tab. In civil service terms it was controversial, the HMRC's First Permanent Secretary required a Ministerial Direction to operate the scheme.

It applies every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August, starting Monday 3 August, and is unlimited in terms of scope, you can have as large a group as you like (though for separate reasons restaurants are tending to restrict groups to 6 in all) and you can do it morning, noon and night if you wish - it can be a small bite for breakfast or a multi-course blow-out. And a heap of Heathrow restaurants have approached HMG to appear on the scheme. Indeed some restaurants which aren't actually open for business have applied, presumably this will push them into opening up now. And for those without lounge access - and indeed for many who do have lounge access - this may be a way to add value to your flights from T5.

So far Genius1 and I have come up with this list of participating restaurants at T5, they should be displaying the round blue and red logo, and more may follow in the next few days:

- Crown Rivers (Wetherspoon)
- Plane Food
- Giraffe (not currently open)
- Pilots (not currently open)
- Caviar House
- Fortnum & Mason Bar
- Prêt (TBC, they have applied nationally but T5 is going to be challenge to meet the scheme rules)
- Starbucks (ditto)
- Caffè Nero landside (they already conform, no issue there).

The BA Covid-19 Heathrow thread has details of some locations outside T5 which are also on the scheme (e.g. HGI Hatton Cross).

So it will be interesting to see (a) if this happens and (b) the impact it has on your experience in T5. Photos of bills showing the reduction will be interesting too, if it doesn't display credit card or other personal data.

For reference, HMG's guide is here.