Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
With the summer 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 of 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 summer holidays are not all sunshine and rainbows. For many, it induces a sense of anxiety. Financial worry clouds the minds of many, as 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 fares 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This summer, BrewDog are offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult main across all its UK bars and pubs. The program, designed to provide a cost-effective and family-friendly dining option, is available for adults with kids aged 13 and below.
The promotion will be running from Wednesday 28th June through to Friday 25th August. To opt into the initiative, guests will need to use the booking type “KIDS EAT FREE” online. To book a table at a local BrewDog bar or pub, click here.
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 beef burgers to veggie nuggets. It’s also a good idea to ensure your nearest restaurant qualifies for this deal.
Full T&Cs here.
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.
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. Ensure to request the offer in advance on your booking.
Read more here.
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!
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.