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With the May half-term holidays looming, it is more important than ever to think about how family finances will be impacted. Many businesses have great offers where kids can eat for £1 or less during the school holidays.
The school holidays can be an exciting time for many. Children are excited at the prospect time away from the confines of school and families can spend some quality time together. Some may even have a nice holiday booked or finally have the time to visit family who live far away.
But the school holidays are not all sunshine and rainbows. For many, school holidays induce a sense of anxiety. Financial worry clouds the minds of many, as many household costs increase during this period.
Time off school means many parents are spending more time at home with their children. This leads to increased energy use due to more electronics being used, food being cooked and the heating on. Similarly, more food is being eaten at home, with the break not only on education but the provision of free school meals. Many people rely on these meals to feed their children one full, hot meal per day.
Let’s not forget the entertainment, too. Trips to the zoo, beach or park all cost money, whether it be ticket fayres or fuel and transport costs.
It can all add up. But, luckily, there are many restaurants and cafes which offer low-cost and sometimes free meals for children during school breaks. Whether it be a low-cost or free breakfast, lunch or dinner, you are bound to find somewhere your little ones will enjoy.
Asda
Supermarket giant Asda announced a new offer to help feed children during the school holidays back in July of last year. Children across England and Wales can eat for just £1 in Asda Cafés. This offer is valid at any time of day, seven days a week.
The best part is, there is no minimum adult spend required. Children aged 16 and under can access a hot or cold meal for just £1.
Plus, there is a brand new menu of goodies to choose from, including penne pasta with meatballs and a vegan hidden veg pasta alternative. To encourage healthy eating, chips can now be swapped for peas or salad, and the retailer is also giving a free piece of fruit per £1 meal purchased.
Plus, you can get a free Ella’s baby food pouch for those under 18 months with any purchase.
Find out more here.
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre
Two children can eat a free breakfast with every adult breakfast purchased. This offer is available at any Beefeater or Brewers’ Fayre branch and includes their delicious unlimited all-you-can-eat breakfast. So, whether your little ones fancy a full English or a more continental option, there is bound to be something they enjoy.
This means if you plus a friend or a partner purchase a breakfast, four children can get a free breakfast. There is currently no end date to this scheme as of yet, but it is currently available for all customers to enjoy.
Full T&Cs here.
Bill’s
Kid’s Eat Free is back at Bill’s for half-term! Up to two kids can eat free all day from Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June. The offer is valid when one adult orders any main dish (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). The children’s menu features delicious family faves including mac & cheese and fish fingers and chips.
Read more here.
Purezza
If you fancy a light lunch or a spot of dinner, why not visit vegan Italian favourite Purezza? Children under the age of 10 can get a delicious free mini pizza with a topping of their choice! These mouth-watering options include mushrooms, courgette and vegan sausage.
Only one child can get this offer per adult who is dining. However, all other children can dine for just £5. Full T&Cs here.
Dobbies
Garden centres can provide a surprising amount of fun for kids. From the wonderful colours of blossoming flowers to water fountains, shrubs and the wildlife they bring, children can become immersed in the magical surroundings nature brings.
You can get one free kids meal or breakfast at Dobbies garden centres with the purchase of an adult traditional breakfast or main course lunch purchased. Children can choose from the children’s breakfast or lunch menu.
Offer available at all Dobbies restaurants with the exception of Andover, Lelant, Marple, Reading, York and Anchorwood.
Full T&Cs here.
Bella Italia
Family favourite Bella Italia lets kids eat for just £1 on Monday to Thursday with the purchase of an adult meal. This is available for children aged 2-11 years and is available between 4pm and 6pm.
Plus, this offer includes three delicious courses and a drink. For just £1! You can’t go wrong. Full T&Cs here.
Morrisons
Why not roll your weekly shop and a meal out into one with Morrisons? They have a great deal where one child can eat a free lunch or dinner when you spend £4.49 on one adult meal. Children up to the age of 16 can redeem this offer and get a delicious free meal.
One free kids’ meal can be redeemed per adult but excludes menu specials. Full T&Cs here.
Heathrow Airport
If you are jetting off this half-term holiday and want to avoid the extortionate airport restaurant costs, make note of the restaurants with a kids eat free offer. From 26th May to 4th June 2023, kids can eat free at participating restaurants.
There may be a minimum spend at some restaurants and the age limit may differ between restaurants. Explore all participating restaurants, the terminals in which they are located and the full T&Cs here.
Hungry Horse
At Hungry Horse restaurants, children can eat for just £1 every Monday. Up to two children can eat per full paying adult. Larger meals are just £1.50.
Choose from a range of mouth-watering delights, from chicken burgers to veggie lasagne. It’s also a good idea to ensure your nearest restaurant qualifies for this deal.
Full T&Cs here.
Sizzling Pubs
Sizzling Pubs is the parent company of many pubs across the UK. Your local may be a Sizzling Pub without you knowing it! You can find your nearest pub here.
Your kids can eat for just £1 from Monday to Friday with the purchase on one adult meal. This offer is valid from 3pm to 7pm every weekday. This excludes breakfast, other offers and the set menu.
Full T&Cs here.
Angus steakhouse
During the school holiday, kids under the age of 10 can eat for free with the purchase of one adult main course. If you are heading to the big smoke for any reason, it may well be worth keeping this deal in mind! Offer is valid 12pm to 5pm from Monday to Thursday only.
Read more here.
IKEA
If you are browsing for new furniture or want to spruce up your home, IKEA is often the first place people think of to visit. Now, the furniture giant are offering children’s meals from 95p. This offer is valid all day, everyday from 11am.
An item from the children’s menu is just 95p. However, for just £1.50 you can get a combo meal. This includes a hot meal, jelly, a drink and a piece of fruit. Always double check your local store is participating first!
The real greek
Every Sunday, children can eat for free at The Real Greek restaurants, when £10 is spent by an adult. Whether your child is in the mood for a mouthwatering souvlaki wrap with halloumi or would rather a mezze selection, something is bound to tickle their fancy.
One free kids meal per adult can be redeemed and is available to all children under the age of 12. Full T&Cs here.
