With the cost-of-living crisis placing undue financial pressure on households throughout the UK, it’s only natural to want to keep expenses down as a family. Fortunately, whether you’re looking for a snack pit stop or a summer banquet, there are plenty of eateries offering free meals for kids in 2023. So start saving money today! Check out our list of the top places where kids eat free this year.
Where Do Kids Eat Free?
Schools
The government offers free school meals for kids throughout the United Kingdom, though rules are different in every part of the UK. In England, children may be able to claim free school meals if they’re in a government-funded school and in reception, year 1 or year 2.
Who is eligible for free school meals?
Your child may be eligible for zero-cost school meals in the UK If you are currently receiving benefits, including Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance. You can easily apply for this benefit on the government’s website. However, please note that if you are currently receiving a fostering allowance, your child will not be eligible for free meals in schools. This is because fostering allowances are designed to be a comprehensive solution for families, covering much more than just the cost of food.
Cafés Where Kids Eat Free
Morrisons Café. At Morrisons, kids can enjoy a complimentary meal including a piece of fruit and their choice of orange juice, apple juice or a refreshing bottle of water. The offer is available when you spend £4.49 or more, and can even be applied to the £8.99 adult meal deal. The little ones have plenty of delicious options to choose from including the all-day breakfast menu or the main menu featuring favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas.
Dunelm. While best known for their furniture and homeware, Dunelm stores are also home to a delightful chain of cafés – Pausa. At Pausa cafés, kids eat free from Monday to Friday after 3pm with every £4 spent in store. So whether you’re on the hunt for a new rug, or just in need of a couple lightbulbs – why not bring the kids along and make the most of this appetising deal?
IKEA. Who doesn’t love an IKEA day out? Part of the joy of IKEA is their Swedish restaurant, offering diners a selection of tasty food – especially their iconic meatballs and gravy! in 2023, kids at IKEA can eat for as little as 95p, or £1.50 for a combination meal. Combo meals include one hot meal, a jelly, soft drink, and a piece of fruit. This offer is available every day from 11am.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Beefeater & Brewers Fayre. Perfect for early risers or those heading out for a day of adventuring, Beefeater are offering free unlimited breakfast for children at all their locations throughout the UK. Just purchase an adult breakfast and receive complimentary meals for up to two children under 16!
Bella Italia. Hungry for Pizza? Head over to your nearest Bella Italia between 4-6pm, Monday-Thursday, and enjoy a kid’s meal for just £1! This price comes with the purchase of every adult main and includes three delicious courses, a fruit water, and even a colouring sheet to keep the younger kids entertained.
Sizzling Pubs. With hundreds of pubs across England, Scotland and Wales, you’re never far from a Sizzling Pub. Ideal for a relaxed meal, kids can now eat for £1 at all Sizzling Pubs locations! Enjoy a weekday lunch or dinner where the kids get to choose from a huge range of nutritious dishes – from fish fingers, to pasta, to pizza, to chicken wraps, there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters.
These restaurants and cafés are just a few of the many eateries where kids eat free throughout 2023. Alternatively, if eating out isn’t your thing, consider fostering to be given a generous allowance and check out our guide on how to survive the cost of living crisis.
