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MONEY COMMENT
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Did you know that 14% of Britons eat out at restaurants at least once a month? Furthermore, when we dine out we spend on average £15 per person, keeping an industry that is worth some £15b afloat. Personally I reckon £15 per head is a bit steep. Of course, some may argue that we shouldn't dine out at all if you are serious about saving money. However, if you budget carefully there is no reason why you shouldn't. Furthermore, if you are on the ball, eating out needn't be that expensive. So here are some of my favourite, tried-and-tested money-saving tips for diners. Look around for restaurants that offer "Early Diner Discounts". Many restaurants now have concessionary prices for customers who are prepared to eat that little bit earlier, and vacate their tables before "serious" diners arrive. This can be particularly useful for parents with young children, and sometimes you may even find that children can eat for free! Keep your eyes and ears open for new restaurants coming to market. The restaurant industry is renowned for its low barriers to entry, which means that new eating establishments are regularly appearing on the scene. To entice you through their doors, these new restaurants will offer meals at a discount just to get you to try their food, and hopefully keep coming back for more. Coupons are often overlooked, but they can sometimes be great value for money. Some of the best deals are two-meals-for-the price-of-one offers, which may often appear as cut-out vouchers in your local newspaper. Contrary to popular belief, lunchtimes are not that busy for restaurants now that most workers prefer instead to eat "al-desko". Consequently, lunchtime menus can be as much as 50% cheaper than comparable menus in the evenings. Which day of the week you dine out can also affect the price you pay! Traditionally, weekends are busier so most of the better deals happen in the earlier parts of the week. Finally, and this is my pet tip - doggy bags. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask to take any leftovers away with you. I have often found that Chinese restaurants are particularly willing to box up anything that you can't eat immediately. And remember that yesterday's leftovers could save you the cost of tomorrow lunch or dinner! Let us know if you have other money saving tips for diners.