SOUTH Essex restaurants dished out more than 400,000 meals as part of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.

Business was booming for pubs, cafes and restaurants alike as diners benefitted from a 50 per cent discount on meals during August.

New government data, broken down by constituency, revealed the scheme was a huge success across south Essex.

Restaurants in the area claimed back a total of £2,176,000 from the Government, with the average meal discount coming in at £5.51.

The scheme has now ended but a number of restaurants in the area have chosen to continue offering customers discount throughout September.

The Royal Hotel, in Southend High Street, will be offering 50 per cent off all food and non-alcoholic drinks for up to £10 per diner throughout September.

David Garrett, owner, said: “We just wanted to give something back to the community and give people the opportunity to go out at a lower cost - it’s hard times for everyone at the moment.”

Il Mondo Italian restaurant in Westcliff will also offer a discount throughout September after receiving a major boost in trade.

A spokesman for the restaurant, said: “We have decided to continue the scheme because we know that everyone is struggling with the impact the virus has had on the economy.

“There is a lot of people who lost their jobs and by doing this we are offering an affordable night out to everyone that wants to still enjoy a dinner with the family.”

Across Rochford and Southend East a whopping 150 businesses took part, with a further 79 in Southend West making the most of the scheme.

A total of 64 business in Basildon and Billericay were involved, as well as 55 in Castle Point and 44 across Rayleigh and Wickford.