THE pub chain Brewhouse & Kitchen – which employs around 70 people locally – saw business more than double during the early days of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The business, founded by its Dorset chief executive Kris Gumbrell, said sales were up 115 per cent during the first days of the government-subsidised initiative.

It said sales at its brewpubs were strong even at the end of the week, when the chancellor’s offer of up to £10 a head off food and soft drinks does not apply.

Mr Gumbrell said: “Food sales have been very strong through the week and we saw growth continue every day through Thursday, Friday and Saturday across the group. To have been showing growth prior was really pleasing, but the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been the icing on the cake for our business.”

The group has been carrying out a staggered reopening of its 22 venues, which saw growth of 6.1 per cent during its first ofur weeks of trading and 29.4 per cent during the week ending August 8.

It spent £70,000 preparing its venues to reopen with protections against COvid-19 in place.

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It introduced an online platform, B&K On Tap, which allows guests to order and pay at their tables.

The company said its locations on the south coast had enjoyed a “particular advantage”, whereas its London venues were “more challenging” – although its Highbury and Islington sites were trading better than forecast.

It added: “Furthermore, following a successful series of trials throughout the Summer months, autumn will see the launch of Brewhouse & Kitchen’s food and beer being delivered locally, and the expansion of the current offer to deliver the gift of a Mini Keg of Brewhouse & Kitchen-brewed beer to anywhere in the UK.

“The group now has 17 out of its 22 pubs open and trading, with plans to open the remaining in the coming weeks.”

The Treasury received more than 10.5million claims for meals from restaurants in the first week of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which gives 50 per cent off the value of food and soft drink, up to £10 per person. It has put aside £500m to pay for the programme