AS we settle back into more normal routines, many of us are relishing the fact we can eat out once again.

But enjoying a meal out does not come cheap. You could easily spend more than £20 a head and the bill is sure to rocket further if you order alcholic drinks on top. So what can you do to keep costs down? Here are some tips to help you eat out without having to worry about the cost.

GRAB A VOUCHER: Do a quick trawl of voucher sites to look for deals and discounts on your dinner. Try sites such as VoucherCodes, HotUKDeals, Groupon, Buyagift and Red Letter Days. With Groupon, for example, I found a great deal on a two-course meal for two at Cafe Rouge for just £24.95, down from £44.20.

SAVING: £19.25

HALF THE PRICE: With Meerkat Meals, you can get two-for-one meals at selected restaurants from Sunday to Thursday, or 25 per cent off the bill on various days of the week. Restaurants include Pizza Hut and Prezzo and many of them are family friendly. Compare and buy one qualifying insurance product and get 12 months’ access to the offer. Use the Meerkat app and call to book ahead.

SAVING: Around £15 to £20

KIDS EAT FREE: During the school holidays, some big-name chains, such as Bella Italia and Hungry Horse, run “kids eat for free” or “kids eat for £1” deals when accompanied by a paying adult. But remember to check the T&Cs first.

SAVING: Around £5 - £8 per child

HAPPY DAYS: Slash your drinks bill by going to your local pub or restaurant at “happy hour”. With many Greene King venues, for example, it is buy one, get one free on beverages including prosecco, cocktails and bottles of Peroni from 4pm-7pm, Monday to Friday.

SAVING: £10 or more

SWITCH AND SAVE: Move your current account to HSBC’s Advance or Premier accounts and you can get a £110 switching bonus plus an additional £30 to eat out using the Dining Out Gift Card.

SAVING: £30

• PRICES here are correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.

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Deal of the day

6

LOVE a G&T? You will be spoilt for choice with the Haysmith’s gin selection box, It costs £14.99 at Aldi for six minis, including a tasty rhubarb and ginger gin.

Cheap treat

SINK your spoon into a tub of Oppo’s cookies-and-cream ice cream. Get £2 off at Morrisons.

SAVE: £2 per tub

Snap it up

ENJOY your favourite tunes as you work, exercise or relax with these JBL wireless in-ear headphones.

Now just £39.99 at Robert Dyas, down from £99.99.

Top swap

THIS pine and mistletoe wreath from John Lewis’s Snow Mountain collection costs £40. But B&M’s version from its Frosted Lake range is £8.

SAVE: £32

Savers’ little helper

KEEN to get Christmas wrapped up early?

Decathlon has festive offers on a range of sporting and fitness goods, including kids’ bikes, scooters, badminton sets and winter jackets. Save up to a third on gifts. The promotion runs until November 15.

Shop and save

GOT a sweet craving? Wilko has cut the price on its pick ’n’ mix cups. You can now get an XL tub for just £2, down from £4.

SAVE: £2

Hot right now

WATCH a movie on the big screen for less by turning every 50p in Tesco Clubcard vouchers into £1.50 to spend at Cineworld.

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• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals/offers subject to availability.

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