BRADFORD BID is launching the city’s first ever Restaurant Week to help support local restaurants, cafes bars and local producers.

The week, which will start on October 5 this year, is designed to give a boost to hostelries which have been hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown measures for much of this year.

It follows on from the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which finished at the end of August, and will see dozens of venues offering savings and discounts to diners.

It will also tie-in with the launch of the latest edition of the Bradford BID-sponsored Eat Drink Bradford Guide, which will be available on launch day to help users find new and exciting venues to enjoy.

BID manager Jonny Noble said: “Many restaurants, cafes and bars were forced to put life completely on hold during the pandemic lockdown and even now some have not been able to re-open.

“But, for most, it’s a case of striving every day to get back to a viable position and they really need support from local people and the local community if we want them to survive in the long term.

“Eat Out to Help Out had a big take-up in the city but, now that’s run out, owners are having to find new and creative ways to attract customers again and – as the BID works hard at Getting Bradford Back to Business – Restaurant Week is one of the ways we can help.”

Ian Ward, who chairs the BID operating board, said: “Many of our levy-payers are involved in the hospitality and catering industry and they are absolutely crucial to our core area and its economy.

“We need as many of them as possible to sign up for Restaurant Week as soon as they can so we can ensure the good news about their amazing venues is celebrated and promoted to thousands of potential customers in preparation for this unique seven-day event.

“We have an amazing food and drink scene in Bradford and it, in turn, supports some fantastic local producers.

“It’s important that we shout a bit louder about what’s on offer and help people find – or, at least, re-acquaint themselves – with the hidden gems and popular haunts that make up the life and soul of Bradford’s heart and make the whole city centre experience so much more enjoyable for shoppers, visitors, tourists, workers and residents alike.”

Venues who want to take part in Restaurant Week should urgently contact Bradford BID to register their interest by e-mailing: enquiries@bradfordbid.co.uk.

Mr Noble added: “We are still going through difficult times – and confidence is unsurprisingly dented by rises in Coronavirus infection rates – but hospitality businesses in Bradford are putting a great deal of time, effort, money and training into ensuring that customers can enjoy a safe and socially-distanced dining out experience."

“As long as we are willing to act responsibly, stick to the rules and think of others, there is absolutely no reason why we can’t all safely enjoy the great food on offer in our city centre venues.

“And I’d encourage diners to book early because our first ever Restaurant Week is going to be huge fun and it will provide food lovers with the chance to treat themselves to a great experience, in many cases, at bargain prices!”