Swindon’s pubs, restaurants and cafes are expecting a boost from the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Starting next week, and running until the end of August, customers will be able to get 50 per cent off the price of food and non-alcoholic drink orders every Monday to Wednesday at more than 100 locations in town.

The scheme is part of an initiative to get more people out and spending, helping to reopen the economy.

Many businesses believe it’s a good idea and should boost their business, even if it is just for three days each week.

Adam Clarke, co-owner of Love Brownies, believes the scheme can only be a positive for the business.

He said: “We would hope we’ll see an increase of customers during the time and in the long term there is still a definite gain, even if you have to wait for your money. That’s a small price to pay.”

Jayne Tilsley, manager at The Runner pub believes the fact alcohol isn’t included won’t stop people going to a pub.

“People just want to come out and have someone cook for them,” she said. “Plus people that come here, like the elderly, won’t be fussed about drinking alcohol.”

To make sure the pub can get the most out of the scheme, Jayne and her husband Mark won’t be having any days off.

Jayne explained: “We’re usually closed on Monday but because it’s Monday to Wednesday we’ll be staying open.

“Really a pub should be open seven days a week but because we’ve been closed we haven’t been able to afford to pay those wages.”

One hostelry taking the scheme a step further is Sally Pussey’s Inn, which is bringing back its breakfast service.

Manager Ryan Wakeham said: “We’ll actually be giving customers 50 per cent off their whole bill and not capping it at the government level. It’s just a way of saying thank you to the customers who have stuck with us.”

But Marcus Kittridge, owner of the Baristocats cafe on Commercial Road, fears the scheme won’t do his cafe any favours.

He said: “We signed up because if we didn’t people would go somewhere else.

“I’m not expecting a boost because we’re on a limited number of tables anyway and all it’s going to do is put a month-long delay in our cashflow, trying to get it back from the government.

“It made be good for big companies and chains, but it’s not for independents like us.”