As summer holidays kick off, parents across Birmingham are facing the challenge of managing rising expenses. Fortunately, this summer offers plenty of opportunities for kids to eat out for free or at a discounted price, thanks to special deals and the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Ben Smye, deals expert at Hotukdeals.com, explains that school holiday offers have become essential for families trying to stretch their budgets. “With food prices remaining high, eating out can seem like a luxury,” he says. “But planning around kids-eat-free deals can reduce a typical £100 family meal bill by almost half.”
Ben also recommends using apps like Too Good To Go for discounted leftovers from bakeries and restaurants, helping families save money while reducing food waste. Hotukdeals' community of over three million users shares daily deals and freebies, making it easier for parents to find money-saving options.
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With childcare and food costs still high, many parents worry about summer expenses. Research from Hotukdeals reveals that 59% of parents are concerned about the cost of keeping kids entertained. Thankfully, restaurants and supermarkets are stepping up with free meals and £1 deals that make dining out more affordable.
Below is a curated list of national chains with Birmingham branches offering attractive summer deals for families, many boosted by the government’s temporary VAT cut on children’s meals, running until 1 September.
Banana Tree
From 20 July to 1 September, kids eat free (main, drink, and dessert) when an adult main is purchased. Located at the Bullring.
Bella Italia
Kids eat free daily from 20 July to 1 September with each adult main ordered, in addition to their year-round Sunday–Thursday free-kids-meal offer. Locations include New Street, Walsall, Dudley, and Wolverhampton.
Bill’s
Up to two kids eat free with one adult main during weekdays from 25 June to 1 September, excluding weekends, for children aged 14 and under. The Birmingham branch is in the Bullring.
BrewDog
Free kids' meal with an adult main, advance booking required via the “Kids Eat Free” table option. Available daily from 20 July to 31 August at BrewDog Birmingham.
Dobbies
Kids eat for 88p with any adult breakfast or main course at the Shenstone branch, near Birmingham, under the government’s summer savings scheme until 1 September.
Franco Manca
Under-12s get a free sourdough pizza with an adult main from Monday to Thursday. The Birmingham branch is in the Bullring.
Frankie & Benny’s
One free kids' meal per adult main, all day every day until 31 August. Located at Broadway Plaza near Five Ways.
Greene King/Flaming Grill Pubs
Kids eat for 88p all day Monday to Friday from 20 July to 28 August with one paying adult. Locations include Malt House, Old House at Home, Bear Tavern, and Beeches.
IKEA
Hot kids' meals available from 95p daily from 11am at the Birmingham store’s restaurant.
Las Iguanas
Free kids' meal with an adult main when ordered through the Las Iguanas app. Birmingham locations include Brindleyplace, Arcadian, and Temple Street.
Sky Bar & Restaurant
One free kids' meal with an adult main during Birmingham school holidays, for children aged 12 and under.
TGI Fridays
Kids eat free with an adult main via the Stripes Rewards app, daily during school holidays. Located at Resorts World, NEC.
Turtle Bay
Kids eat free with an adult spending £15 or more through the Turtle Bay app. Available at New Street station and Brindleyplace.
Toby Carvery
£1 kids' meals on weekdays with an adult meal, including unlimited vegetables. Birmingham branches are at Quinton, Hagley Road, and Coventry Road.
YO! Sushi
Children eat free with every £10 spent by a paying adult, Monday through Friday during school holidays. Birmingham branches at Selfridges (Bullring) and Grand Central.
Zizzi
Free three-course kids' meal daily with an adult main, for up to two children aged 11 and under. Locations include the Mailbox, Brindleyplace, and Resorts World at NEC.