Enjoying a meal out is becoming WAY more expensive thanks to the cost of living challenges – but listen, it’s not all doom and gloom.

There’s an now an easy way to get 50% off your bill and all you have to do is go out to eat a little earlier or later than normal.

The First Table website allows diners to book tables in pubs and restaurants at off-peak times – usually just after they open or later in the evening – and as a reward you get your meal for half price.

The app is already available in several major cities – and recently launched in Leicester and Nottingham.

You can book for up to four people, including kids, so you could even take the whole family out for a half-price meal.

Nottingham Restaurants already signed up to First Table and offering discounts include Yamas, The Lobster Pot, Bar Gigi and baresca

In Leicester, Chutney Ivy, Casa Romana, Veeno, The Gresham, La Fontana, and 3 Little Birds are just some of the restaurants taking part.

First Table works by giving diners access to a limited number of off-peak tables, typically around 5.30pm or after 9pm, which come with 50% off the total food bill.

Bookings are made via the First Table app or website, with diners paying a small booking fee of between £4 and £8. The model is designed to benefit both diners and restaurants. Customers are encouraged to try new venues at a reduced cost, while restaurants can fill quieter tables, build atmosphere earlier in service, and make better use of off-peak periods.

Give it a whirl now by visiting the website here: https://www.firsttable.co.uk or downloading the app.