THE POPULAR Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched by the government in a bid to boost the hospitality industry has been extended by a number of venues across Dorset - at their own expense.

The scheme offered a 50% discount, up to £10 per person, off meals and soft drinks from Mondays to Wednesdays throughout August to encourage more people to eat out.

But some pubs, cafes and restaurants in the region - including chains and independent venues - have opted to keep offering discounts to help boost trade.

Slug and Lettuce in Weymouth will continue offering 50% discounts throughout September, but is removing the £10 per person discount cap, as is Rendezvous and the Royal Oak.

Hall & Woodhouse - which runs The Crown in Blandford and The Ship in Weymouth - is extending the scheme in the majority of its managed pubs until the end of September, while The Spyglass Inn, at Bowleaze Coveway, will continue to run the scheme until September 9.

Wetherspoon venues The Swan and The William Henry in Weymouth, The Royal Oak in Dorchester and The Greyhound in Bridport, will be running the company’s ‘Stay Out to Help Out’ scheme, which will see prices on meals and drinks reduced from Mondays to Wednesdays until November 11.

The Loft in Weymouth is running a 'buy one pizza get another half price' offer from Mondays to Wednesdays throughout the month, with The Gamekeeper in Dorchester offering 25 per cent off meals, starting from mid-September.

Weymouth Golf Club Clubhouse will also be offering 25 per cent off selected meals from Thursdays to Saturdays.

The Gloucester on the Esplanade will continue to run the scheme on Wednesdays, while Jailhouse Café in Portland will be offering a 'two people eat for £10' lunch special on weekdays.

The Ship Inn in Swanage Bay will be offering 25 per cent off of all food throughout October and November.

The Cross Keys in Sherborne have extended their offer to include 25 per cent discount off their £20 menu from Monday to Thursday in September.

Seabeats, a seafood restaurant on the Esplanade, will be offering £10 off per person from Tuesdays to Thursdays with a minimum of two courses, throughout October.

Owner Adam Foster said: “The scheme was brilliant for us, It really helped give us a boost, especially during typically less busy services like Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes.

“The idea was to get the public out and feeling safe again so I think it was definitely a success in that regard.”

*Are you extending your Eat Out to Help Out discount? Get in touch at newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk