Looking to dine for cheaper in London but don’t know where to start? In this extract from our newsletter Londonist: Keys to the City we steer you towards eight apps packed with tasty offers.
For loads more thrifty London apps — including for travel, lifestyle and entertainment — read the full newsletter (£).
EatClub
EatClub is basically an app that, if you have even a tiny bit of planning in you, gets you major discounts eating out. You download the app and look around you for restaurants you want to try — they’ve got a pretty diverse selection. It changes daily, so don’t get too attached — it might require you to be a little bit flexible about where you go and to try something different rather than you getting a discount on your tried and true local. Select the offer you want for the time slot you want, then show up and pay via the card you will generate in-app (this basically just reskins an existing payment method of your choice). The discount will automatically be applied, and it’s usually 30-50%, which is a pretty significant amount off honestly!
I definitely felt a bit suspicious of this one going in, but I can now seriously vouch for it.
Apple / Google Play (that Apple link has my referral code on it, FYI x)
Too Good to Go
The OG food-saving app: Too Good to Go lets you grab surprise ‘magic bags’ of unsold food from cafes, bakeries and shops near you, usually at a fraction of the original price. It’s a bit of a lucky dip (you don’t always know exactly what you’re getting, so food allergy sufferers beware — but also be aware you can usually beg your way into something you’re allowed). But if you’re flexible and like a bit of adventure, it can seriously cut your food bills and help fight food waste. Bonus points for making you feel like a sustainability hero.
Paace
Not another food delivery app; pace is a walking and movement app that rewards you with cashback for hitting your step goals. The more you walk, the more money you earn, which you can spend at participating shops and restaurants in London. I clock up around 15,000 steps a day just existing, so it’s a good way to save money by simply getting out and about. They’re mostly about coffee or treats, but you can get a discount on a bigger meal too.
Karma
Like Too Good to Go’s posher cousin. Karma partners with trendy cafes and restaurants offering unsold food for half price, but crucially you know exactly what you’re getting before you buy. No mystery bags here — you get discounts on meals or baked goods that would otherwise go to waste. Saves you money and helps cut food waste.
First Table
I’ve waxed poetic about First Table since I found out about it. This app offers 50% off food (not drinks, don’t get caught out) if you book an early dinner, usually between 5pm and 7pm (perfect for all those intermittent fasters) at hundreds of London restaurants. Like an earlybird deal but you don’t even have to be 60 to get it. They also usually stipulate if there are any rules with your deal right before you put down your nominal reservation fee (£4-£8). It’s great if you can be flexible with your meal times and fancy eating out without the usual shock to your wallet. Plus, it’s got a really good bunch of options for fine dining spots, not just cheap chains.
The Fork
Think of The Fork as your dining discount genie. You can book tables at loads of restaurants with discounts up to 40% on your bill, plus collect loyalty points redeemable for free meals. It’s a solid way to plan affordable nights out (for big parties, too) without compromising on the experience. Plus you can try loads of new places that you’ve never even heard of!
Soft Launch
A newish player on the scene, Soft Launch offers exclusive early-access discounts at bars and restaurants before they officially open to the public. It’s a free (to access) fun way to try new spots for less, and feel a bit fancy while you’re at it. Bonus points if you like being in the know before everyone else — you’ll get to try some new stuff out! They also have a VIP section where you have more access all the time for the pretty low sum of £3 a month.
Embargo
A loyalty app for indie coffee shops, cafes and a few casual lunchtime restaurants. You earn digital stamps each time you buy something, and once you’ve collected enough, you get a freebie — usually a drink or snack. It’s like a paper loyalty card, but smarter and way harder to lose at the bottom of your bag. Especially handy if you have a couple of local favourites you hit up often.
