A standard children's meal at the chain will now cost £5.03 - a £0.72 reduction from the previous price of £5.75. The nationwide scheme, announced in May by the Chancellor, reduces VAT from 20% to 5% on family-focused activities and dining, running from June 26 to September 1. Wetherspoons joins numerous major retailers from across the hospitality and entertainment sectors participating in the cost-cutting programme, which aims to help ease the cost of living during the school holidays.
McDonald's is among the high street names embracing the tax reduction, with Happy Meals dropping 27% to just £2.99 across all restaurants. Fast food rival KFC has similarly signed up to the Government scheme, offering families additional options for cheaper dining out.
Theme parks and attractions are also delivering savings under the scheme, with Merlin Entertainment reducing prices across its 20 venues. Advance tickets for both Alton Towers and Legoland have fallen from £34 to £29.75 following the adjustment.
As an additional summer measure, children aged five to 15 can access free bus travel on participating local bus services across England throughout August.
On May 21, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "I recognise that what matters for families is not just getting by, but being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill. That is why I am launching the Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector.
"So I can today announce a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions from 20% to 5% over the summer holidays.
"This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums. It will include children’s tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and the theatre. And it will cut the cost of children’s meals in restaurants and cafes from 20% VAT to 5% as well.
"These changes will apply across the UK from the start of the Scottish school summer holidays on 25th June and run until the end of the school holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1st September."
