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Thanks to Rishi 'Just Eat' Sunak's great plan to get people back into restaurants we went out for a meal last night (in fact it was a long-held promise to take our girls to Ask Italian when they re-opened which happened to coincide with the first night of the 'deal').
We went to the restaurant in Wetherby, West Yorks and found the experience to be pretty uncomfortable - the restaurant was packed (I don't think they had even reduced covers from what I remember of the place since we last ate there) and they had some pretty weird measures in place ie, they couldn't take glasses off the tray (but who put them on the tray a few seconds earlier) but they could pass plates to us. No staff were wearing masks and they were holding plates out in front of them whilst talking (unfortunately we had one particularly shouty waitress which didn't help).
And the meal really cost no less than any other Monday night would have done had we hunted out the discounts that are usually available.
Not an experience I will want to try again and I can already imagine that the same restaurant will be significantly quieter on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
We went to our local last night. They have a big field full of picnic tables so sat outside. Staff served food with face masks/shields on so no issues there. Didn't go within about 4m of someone other than them bringing food/drink to the table so a positive experience to us.
We wouldn't go into a town centre restaurant at the moment I don't think.
Had lunch yesterday in a fast food chain. (out and about for work, and when someone schedules a 12 oclock appointment you can bet I'm expensing lunch at the nearest possible location).
Handled very well, distanced tables etc. came in "takeaway guise" eg in a paper bag, not on a tray.
If it wasn't on the deal requiring you to eat in, I would have happily sat in my car, so there's an increase in transmission risk there. Otherwise, all good.
Possibly trying a pub tonight.
Yep, local Italian. They'd got rid of some tables so it was more spaced out, most of the serving staff had masks, hand sanitizer on the way in. Enjoyed it, glad to be back in there, really like the place. The owner was saying that the number of no-shows they've been getting is ridiculous though.
Last time I checked there was still a worldwide pandemic going on so regardless of a cheap meal out, I'm sticking to eating at home and getting the odd takeaway. That said, I do live in Calderdale where people have been taking the piss so much we're in another half arsed lockdown again (which doesn't seem to have changed a single thing). Whilst I'd love nothing more than to go out for a meal, its so far off my radar at the minute its unreal...
Yes, but in Doha.
All menus on QR codes and booking is mandatory,although we did just 30 mins before. Basically, no walk ina.Staff in face shields and personal requirement to wear a mask on entry and exit but not at the table. Tables 2m apart from backs of chairs and drinks placed unopened on tables. Staff just chilled out and stayed out of it. Big thing of hand sanitizer on the table, etc.
Very positive experience, but then here no-one had the big stress about wearing masks in public. That's been mandatory for ages with no issues.
We also have an app that has your covid status linked to your residency number. It's a bit big brother but if it ain't green then you can get in anywhere. Works surprisingly well.
Thought this thread would have gone horribly wrong by now. What's happened to this place?
We also have an app that has your covid status linked to your residency number. It’s a bit big brother but if it ain’t green then you can get in anywhere. Works surprisingly well.
is this based on a mobile phone proximity app? or have you proved you are Covid free in some other way, which is then just relayed to this app?
Last time I checked there was still a worldwide pandemic going on so regardless of a cheap meal out, I’m sticking to eating at home and getting the odd takeaway.
This.
Huge queues yesterday evening outside the chain eateries - Wagamama etc etc - which really look like a bad idea...
Forgot it was our wedding anniversary Weds and forgot this scheme had started, cos they are so booked we have a table for two booked for 1700... will report back if we survive...
We went to the restaurant in Wetherby, West Yorks
I steer clear of those chain places, can't abide them.
Wer'e trying The Two Brothers in Knaresborough tomorrow. Never had a bad experience yet & been loads of times.
I'll let you know though....
Last time I checked there was still a worldwide pandemic going on so regardless of a cheap meal out, I’m sticking to eating at home and getting the odd takeaway.
Yeah I tend to agree, but after almost 5 months of almost total social isolation and the fact our girls will be starting secondary school in four weeks time, we decided we were prepared to give it a go and have some kind of normality as we had been assured by the management at Ask that they were taking precautions. My OP does state that I won't be doing it again in a hurry.
I steer clear of those chain places, can’t abide them.
As I said in my OP, it was a promise to out 11 yr old children - their palettes aren't as sophistimicated as us grown-ups 😉 Saying that, their all-time favourite place to eat is Zolsha on Knaresborough Hight Street but we have had one (take-out) meal from there already and Ask was next on their list.
OK, mental note made to avoid ASK (I actually find ASK half decent usually). I have heard of some places being really sensible but its more about the potential for douchebag customers. This thread is making me hungry... murgh shashlik for tea I think.
we ate out at our local italian in the village run by our neighbour on july 10th. - as it was a special occasion.
we had the whole terrace to our selves under the awning in the pouring rain.
Piping hot pizza served by someone wearing a mask.
They limited their covers , they supplemented their income by doing a roaring trade in boot takeaway.
The gov deal does nothing to entice me into town - ASK and all those similar places are similarly hellish (cramped) at any time and thats before we get onto the likes of the poor quality food the likes of pizza express excel at - i am not surprised they are currently going down the toilet.
Some places do deserve to go bust - while i have sympathy for those who work in those places not enough to eat there to support them.
Yep, local pub.
Arrived, taken to the table by one of the staff, sanitizer as you arrive, staff in masks.
Loads of outdoor space, and the inside was well spaced out too.
Order via an app or at the bar, 90% preferred the former.
Food served quickly and efficiently, no issues at all.
Cost was great too, obviously less than we'd normally pay.
We'll be back, quite likely this week.
We've been to a few places since we were allowed and the vast majority are doing things well. Not perfect in some places, but it's still new for most so I don't think you can expect that. I did have one owner shake my hand (I eat there a lot so we know each other quite well) before we both realised what we'd done and reached for the sanitizer!
I'd suggest that the OP don't judge every restaurant or bar by one visit to a chain. A lot of places are doing it very well indeed.
getting the odd takeaway
Presume you are fully sanitising said takeaway prior to handling it.
Went out yesterday to pancake house, they were certainly pushing for us to buy as much as possible.
Rishi two snacks sounds apt!
We're definitely still of the 'there is a global pandemic going on & no Sarah Vine I don't want our time to be now'
we're just back from a weekend in stratford upon avon, lovely weather and top weekend, but a grim eating out experience last night.
went to the indian in the town, had good reviews and they do the tenner off thing.
firstly my wife noticed the state of the tables, looked to be a good few months dust and old food, bits of rice on the lower legs. menus werent wiped down when we handed them back so almost certainly werent before we were given them.
the staff wore masks below the chin, and were leaning over to pass food and remove plates.
we were obviously needed to finish asap, as more poppadums that we asked for never came, we had to repeatedly ask for more drinks, and they were pulling the plates away before we'd finished! lost half a bowl of rice, and wifes plate was gone as she reached for her naan for mopping duties 😀
to top it all, the bill didnt have a discount. queried it, and was told you should have asked beforehand. refused to pay it until they amended it, but thats some racket theyve got going on there isnt it? claim from the government for every order, then dont pass it on unless challenged?
there were 3 local lasses next to us who were also chuntering along the same lines, dirty tables, inattentive staff, and told us later that when we left they just chucked a new tablecloth cover over the dirty one, and didnt wipe down our table and chairs.
they said theyd never seen these staff before, its usually a good experience in there and guessed they were agency.
the bill didnt have a discount. queried it, and was told you should have asked beforehand
TBF, all the adverts I have seen (ie on Facebook etc) have all said that the discount os for pre-booked tables only – although I don't know why or whether it is a term of the discount being applied?
We went for breakfast in Loulabelles in Inners yesterday, completely forgot about the deal until we came to settle up and the bill was well short. To be honest other than masks away from the table and a route for ordering it didn't seem much different (this is a good thing), decent distance between tables so maybe they moved a couple away.
TBF, all the adverts I have seen (ie on Facebook etc) have all said that the discount os for pre-booked tables only
we pre-booked 🙂
Ate at The Cow on the IoW.
Sat outside, instructions on table, downloaded their app (free WiFi available), chose from menu including drinks, paid by card on app, (discount applied in the app), and order brought to table by gloved and masked waitress.
Sanitiser and spray cleaner on table.
Bins and boxes for food waste, recycling, glasses, etc.
Great food, and a very chilled, well thought through system.
Yes there's a pandemic going on but if the restaurant follows the agreed social distancing and cleaning guidelines, why worry? If they don't, then leave.
Eaten out quite a few times over the last few weeks, no issues whatsoever.
Jeremy *unt was tweeting about his discounted lunch.
Thought this thread would have gone horribly wrong by now. What’s happened to this place?
Oh, OK then.
Shame it doesn't apply for fishy Friday.
Oh, OK then.
Shame it doesn’t apply for fishy Friday.
Pre-booking removes some of the spontineity and enjoyment?
Presume you are fully sanitising said takeaway prior to handling it.
Yes, still following the original guidelines of putting all the food out of takeaway cartons straight into bowls to serve from, binning the cartons straight away, washing hands etc and no ordering things like naans that aren't piping hot.
Got anymore questions?
Was supposed to be at the local last night but ended up this evening instead. Looking forward to it, it won't be our first meal out either mind.
Sure it'll pull trade from the weekend but, the idea isn't to bump the coffers this month (well maybe it is if they're going to choose everything down again in September so the kids can go back to school) the idea is to get people out of their houses and normalise going out and doing things again instead of sitting tight for the next decade until the pandemic is done.
Not tried two brothers yet, pleased to see it still going though, it's one of those places that never seems to do well regardless of the quality of the restaurant occupying it (very much liked the couple of visits I had to the Mexican place that was there for a while). Though if you can't put bums on seats with Italian food then there's something wrong.
Just had a nice lunch in town. Place has no front door and staff were behind face shields. Pre-booked and discount applied but the prices had crept up. Sat in the window watching people over the road in and out of the pub without masks and people putting them on to go in the shop next door. I'm not sure if this is going to go well.
Aye!
Yesterday I had a huge fryup in Scrabster harbour for £4, and a delicious 3 course Indian meal in Kirkwall for £10 for my dinner.
Had a coffee and cake for £2.35 for breakfast today with a gigantic ice cream sundae after lunch for £3. Tonight's dinner will be fish n chips @ £7 in a hotel in Kirkwall and maple bacon pancakes for breakfast for £2. Might pay an extra 75p for a coffee - undecided yet.
It's absolutely brilliant!
*I am also in a huge calorie deficit after cycling all the way here
*I am also in a huge calorie deficit after cycling all the way here
No, you were in a huge calorie deficit.
😉
I intend use the most of it during my 2 weeks off coming up but not chains as they’re horrible places at the best of times.
Yes there’s a pandemic still going on but I’ve more chance of catching it at work then a restaurant plus I’ve still not really been anywhere since lockdown except work.
Called into my local for a bite to eat straight after a ride last night.
They are only serving outside in the 'courtyard'.
Was as relaxed as ever.
Got a surprise when the bill came. Thought they'd make a mistake.
But they had applied the Rishi voucher, so was very pleased.
About as safe as it could possibly be.
Definitely good to get out. We can't stay locked up forever, and businesses can't afford that either. So all things considered, win, win.
Forgot it was on till I stopped at a lovely cafe mid ride this morning and my coffee and bacon cob were only £3.
Sadly, when I grabbed a coffee at Costa this afternoon I didn't have time to drink in so they charged me full price for the takeaway. Which confused me, as the Tesco megastore across the road was advertising the "Eat Out to Help Out" discount next to the sign that said "Takeaway Only"
Trying to find a nice pub nearby doing the deal for a family meal out next week.
It’s supposed to eat in only as takeaways have different tax depending on the food.
Night before last. Terrace table in a ski resort with a group of friends. Masks until sat down, staff wearing masks, good separation. Food was disappointing, the board game we played after excellent but I can't remember what it was called.
It's crazy how much it varies from place to place, the use of PPE and other safety measures. The government guidelines are so vague it's basically up to each business to interpret it how they want. There should be a minimum set of requirements and compulsory measures such as masks for all staff.
Rishi's eat out scheme is quite clever. Although it doesn't necessarily help the businesses most in need. However it does get people eating out on days they probably wouldn't have. That in turn means it's viable for restaurants to open more days per week, and can offer more work to their staff and unfurlough them.
It sounds super generous and like rishi is throwing money at people. However by incentivising businesses to reopen and get their staff back into work, the government are saving way more in furlough money than this is costing them (much like the VAT reduction).
Well dinner out was very much as expected. Food was "just good grub" as ever and busiest I've seen the pub since it reopened.
Only two tables of previously regular folks not seen since pre lockdown booked in for this week but lots of new faces, including a number from the "empty houses" which is good.
Busiest Tuesday I've seen outside Christmas eve.
Sadly, when I grabbed a coffee at Costa this afternoon I didn’t have time to drink in so they charged me full price for the takeaway. Which confused me, as the Tesco megastore across the road was advertising the “Eat Out to Help Out” discount next to the sign that said “Takeaway Only”
Seems Tesco have reduced the prices themselves, they are not actually part of the government scheme. So they can allow takeaways if they want.
We called in to Mcdonald's on the way back from a day out, didn't even click with me that the offer was on until my wife mentioned it on the way in. Fed a family of 5 of us for less than £10. Can't complain. Half the tables were blocked off to allow plenty of space and it was table service only and leave your rubbish on the table for them to clear, which felt so rude when habit is to do it yourself.
Shame they can't do it on the drive thru too but rules is rules I guess.
Nope, it’s a ****ing obscene idea to subsidise those who can afford to eat out over increasing the standard rate of sick pay for low paid workers or increasing universal credit for those who continue to shield for medical reasons
We had a cheap meal on Monday night and a couple of cheap coffee shop visits yesterday, all of which we'd have done anyway. Altogether saved about £40, which is obscene when the government had to be shamed into summer holiday free school meals.
I left the twenty quid as a tip.
You’re right it’s obscene that the taxpayer is subsidising me, but small charity-run cafes and family businesses need all the support they can get.
I would really like to eat out somewhere just because it would be nice to dress up and be able to choose a surprise and not what I have in the freezer and then no washing up. However, we are in the midst of a pandemic and I’m not prepared to take those two risks. 1, is the establishment taking what I feel are adequate precautions because if they don’t I’ve then already risked it and can’t take it back and 2. Are the other diners taking it seriously because I’ve witnessed people already taking the ‘it won’t happen to me’ approach. They’ve lifted the shielding stay home with absolutely no evidence that it’s safer for us so for now it’s freezer meals for me!
On Sunday the market place was shut off and tables laid out for the wine bar to get more trade. We sat in the yard (all of 250 yds away) having a beer and watching it through the webcam. All is fine and dandy then people will start kissing their granny and no masks or the masks come down for a word or a fag. Glasses and money get multiple handling. Didn't see any hand cleansing. One concern is that they won't sell enough real ale for it to be on form and it ain't cheap. Webcams are great for a bit of applied non-participatory social observation or for chortling and spewing in a sort-of Anglo-Saxon at the numbskulls currently of this world. Market on Friday is more complicated.
9-6pm
https://uppinghamfirst.co.uk/webcam/
It is currently pretty safe, disease levels are low. My advice would be to enjoy a bit of summer while you can cos the autumn may be bloody awful.
We tried - very difficult to get a booking this week - only 8 or so places locally participating - get it while you can!
Went to the local cafe for lunch yesterday, I thought they'd undercharged me at first and when I queried it, she said about the voucher.
However there's no pre-booking or table service; you order at the hatch, collect from the front door and you're allowed to use the outdoor seating.
However, no complaints from me. I was a regular at the café before lockdown, have been supporting it ever since it reopened and it was nice to get a full lunch for £3!
You’re right it’s obscene that the taxpayer is subsidising me, but small charity-run cafes and family businesses need all the support they can get.
I can see the argument, but the taxpayer has funded an awful lot of businesses in the last few months. At least with this scheme, as a taxpayer I get to support the local businesses I want - those who have done the best they can for their staff and communities, or made a real effort to help themselves thus far.
Nope, it’s a **** obscene idea to subsidise those who can afford to eat out over increasing the standard rate of sick pay for low paid workers or increasing universal credit for those who continue to shield for medical reasons
Absolutely this. It is literally 'let them eat cake' from the good times PM. Andy Burnham sums it up
https://twitter.com/AndyBurnhamGM/status/1290598882884431874?s=20
I'm going to avoid expressing my own personal view as it would definitely overload the swear filter.
Needless to say that as a PAYE freelancer, I'm one of the 3 million taxpayers who've been completely excluded from all government support, I have some quite strong views on having subsidised Jeremy Hunts lunch
At least with this scheme, as a taxpayer I get to support the local businesses I want – those who have done the best they can for their staff and communities
The main beneficiaries of this will be McDonalds, Weatherspoons, and big chains. This is just yet another example of corporate welfare
The main beneficiaries of this will be McDonalds, Weatherspoons, and big chains.
Not from my direct spend they won't, though I accept that's a valid criticism
The main beneficiaries of this will be McDonalds, Weatherspoons, and big chains.
And their employees, suppliers, landlords...
Many McD’s are also a franchise so yes then cooperation will benefit but so will the smaller business that owns the franchise.
There was an interview with one of the trade associations for small business owners who stated that the government couldn't have possibly better designed a scheme, if the aim was to disproportionately benefit corporate chains.
I don't think that subsidising the likes of Wetherspoons should be a prioritiy when chucking about billions of pounds of taxpayers money
It's fair enough that most people on here will be enjoying a discounted chateaubriand at the local gastropub - this is middleclasstrackworld after all - but don't delude yourself as to where the vast majority of this taxpayers money will be ending up...
It's corporate welfare.
And that's before we start getting into the fact that in the whole of Greater Manchester I'm not allowed to have someone sit in my back garden with me, but I can pop down to my local for a few pints and a baguette and chips. Madness!
There was an interview with one of the trade associations for small business owners who stated that the government couldn’t have possibly better designed a scheme, if the aim was to disproportionately benefit corporate chains.
But if they only supported smaller hospitality businesses, then inevitably the larger chains would struggle even more (look at Pizza Express with their recent announcement of cuts along with Upper Crust, Cafe Rizatta, Ask etc) so the bigger chains with more employing power could go and unemployment go up as the small chains/independents won't be able to fill all the roles.
Unfortunately there is no perfect solution.
I'm with Binners - I am incredibly fortunate to have held onto a job, left that job voluntarily during the crisis to start another safe job. I earn a reasonable wage - not Jeremy Hunt reasonable but good enough.
I appreciate me being given a discount is a vehicle for the place I spend my money getting extra cash by enticing me in/back. But I don't want to be a beneficiary. And I don't want Hunt to be a beneficiary either.
1. A public social media campaign for those that can to put in the money saved as an additional tip (though to be fair if the staff have been furloughed they don't need it as much as the small business own themselves)
2.A government grant to food outlets which gives them a subsidy for every indoor cover that has had to be roped off for social distancing with a maximum per premise to artificially boost the smaller business and make it more worthwhile to open up.
3.To have made the vouchers 90-100% the bill but only available to those made redundant during the crisis. A kind a virtual food bank with benefit to the restaurant business too.
4.100% vouchers but for the NHS and care workers and their families who have seen some horrible shit in March and April (and May and June.....)
5. 100% vouchers given to businesses to hand out at their discretion but encouraged to be given to the poor ****s who worked their arses off whilst the rest of their teams were furloughed to keep the business afloat and save the jobs of those on extended holiday furlough.
6. A voucher for every graphic designer left without furlough benefits but with sod a to do 😉
All far more complicated I appreciate but this scheme leaves a really bad taste
Pizza Express - another example of venture capitalists destroying a viable business; over expansion, maximum extraction of money, load up with debt.
As for eat out to help out, I can't see it generating a worthwhile increase in either footfall or turnover.
Will people eat out more frequently - in August - as a result?
Will it increase the average spend per head - by (upto) a tenner?
What happens when it ends on 31st August?
You can moan about it and come up with ways it could be better, but it is what it is - go out and enjoy yourself and get a nice feed from nice people
There's some heavy weight virtue signalling going on here.
Looking forward to hearing details of a more appropriate scheme that wouldn't be a bureaucratic nightmare to administer.
The scheme does nothing to incentivise me; I'll dine out when I want to.
Other than when I worked away, I wouldn't dine out M-W; they're, typically, dead days in hospitality.
I value my health more than getting a tenner discount.
is this based on a mobile phone proximity app? or have you proved you are Covid free in some other way, which is then just relayed to this app?
There's some discussion as to the proximaty side of it. This may be triggered by those in shared accommodation which is common for workers in the ME and Asia, as well as families, but people aren't sure.
The main thing it does is if you're quarantined, because you have just flown in (test on arrival, 7 days home quarantine, another test to go "Green"), compound, house, workplace, has been compromised then your screen is yellow. No getting in anywhere and you're actually risking a massive fine by being out and everywhere checks. Emergencies only and food delivered by pre pay and drop outside delivery.
Red means you've had a positive test and you're either home quarantined with family, in hospital or quarantine facilties for those who can't isolate.
Last time I checked there was still a worldwide pandemic going on so regardless of a cheap meal out, I’m sticking to eating at home
Depends on the risk. There's *only* been 176 deaths in Qatar because it's a young population who only get work visas if you have a clear medical check including lung x-ray (for Indian/Pak/Nepal TB issues) so the risk is pretty low and everyone wears masks without complaining.
We went to the pool today, kept social distance and went early when it was very quiet. Outside pool only open, masks on when paying and ordering food, etc.
Everything has a risk. We're very low risk in what we do but that doesn't mean we just sit at home. Personal responsibility.
(pandemic means worldwide. It's the whole PIN number thing again)
MCTD, I think the scheme is a waste of money which will not deliver any worthwhile and sustainable net benefit to the hospitality sector.
It is deferring the inevitable for a number of outlets.
There’s some heavy weight virtue signalling going on here
It’s called debate ya dick. Labeling those with options that you disagree with says more about you.
Looking forward to hearing details of a more appropriate scheme that wouldn’t be a bureaucratic nightmare to administer.
See...
All far more complicated I appreciate
It’s called debate ya dick. Labeling those with options that you disagree with says more about you.
And your response says much about you...
And your response says much about you…
That I dislike him from his posting history - yup
There’s some heavy weight virtue signalling going on here.
Virtue-signalling is suggesting that in the middle of a pandemic, with an upcoming economic shitstorm approaching that will see millions existing on universal credit, that paying for middle-class peoples nice lunches might not be the best use of taxpayers money?
You forgot to call us all snowflakes. An oversight you'll no doubt soon rectify
It is deferring the inevitable for a number of outlets.
Very much this. It isn't part of some grand economic strategy or plan - why would you expect that from this shower? - its a gimmicky sticking plaster. A very very expensive sticking plaster, with most of the proceeds going straight to large corporate chains anyway
That I dislike him from his posting history – yup
Ahh okay, that's fine then. Bring down the tone of a thread that was being discussed in a surprisingly grown-up way just because you don't like the other poster. Crack on, don't mind us.
Ahh okay, that’s fine then. Bring down the tone of a thread that was being discussed in a surprisingly grown-up way just because you don’t like the other poster. Crack on, don’t mind us.
He brought the tone down with the need to be disingenuous to those with differing opinions. I merely reacted because this is his default pseudo attempt to belittle response. I assume you have a problem with him too? If he is offended, he is free to report - otherwise, glad to be of service.
He brought the tone down with the need to be disingenuous to those with differing opinions. I merely reacted because this is his default pseudo attempt to belittle response. I assume you have a problem with him too? If he is offended, he is free to report – otherwise, glad to be of service.
He was being slightly inflammatory with how he was discussing matters, I agree. You, however, reverted to schoolyard name-calling. I just don't see the need.
There’s some heavy weight virtue signalling going on here.
My ****ing arse there is, give the £500m its estimated the scheme will cost to ensuring all kids get free school meals.
There you go you utter ****ing muppet
That was a bit ott with regard to forum guidelines, apologies
As taxpayers, we paid multimillionaire Jeremy Hunt 50 quid towards lunch at his local gastropub yesterday.
We might be doing the same again right now. And tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that, until the end of the month. If he wants to go out for something later, we'll be paying for that too. If he fancies a double sausage and egg McMuffin tomorrow morning, we'll be paying again.
I don't know if we paid for Mark Francois lunch too as he's been quiet of late. But we all know of Iain Duncan Smiths' love of 40 quid breakfasts, so I imagine he'll be taking advantage of Rishi's generosity.
If you've just lost your job, or you're about to, then on Universal Credit you will be expected to live on £96 a week. I'd imagine that limits your gastropub lunch opportunities somewhat
Just sayin'
Convert - **** off you ****
Only the wife, but it wasn't 50% off. 🤔
Convert – * off you *
My work here is done 😁
Two meals booked so far, the first at a local independant Greek place that we love and the second at a Miller & Carter because steak fits in with my lifestyle. As far as I'm aware, there aren't any good independant steak places in the Stratford/Cheltenham/Worcester area but I'm happy to change that reservation if anyone knows different. Just waiting to hear back from my favourite momma and papa Italian place and that'll be one a week for the rest of the month.