EARLY LEICESTER DINERS EAT HALF PRICE WITH FIRST TABLE

 Leicester, UK – A new restaurant booking platform is launching in Leicester, offering diners 50% off their food bill in return for booking early tables. First Table, which already operates in 18 UK cities, will go live in Leicester from Wednesday 25 February, partnering with a mix of independent restaurants across the city.

From neighbourhood favourites to destination dining spots, Leicester’s diverse food scene has embraced the First Table model with enthusiasm. 

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. 

Over 16 of Leicester’s favourite spots like Veeno, Chutney Ivy and The Gresham have already signed up to feature on First Table at launch.

The Leicester launch reflects a wider shift towards earlier dining in the UK, driven by flexible working and changing social habits. Known for its independent restaurants and multicultural food offering, Leicester has seen strong interest from local operators keen to attract new diners and maximise quieter parts of service.

"Veeno is all about welcoming people in and creating a great experience from the moment we open,” said Alex Mondou, operations manager at Veeno, one of the first restaurants to join First Table in Leicester.

“First Table gives us a smart way to fill early tables and connect with diners who might not have discovered us otherwise. We work with them in a number of locations across the country and we can clearly see the benefits of the model in action"

“Leicester’s food scene offers something special at every turn,” remarks CEO and founder Mat Weir. “Between the Golden Mile and Clarendon Park, you can always discover a new favourite everywhere you go.”

First Table began in Queenstown, New Zealand, when founder and CEO Mat Weir noticed a restaurant offering 50% off its first table of the night to spark early buzz. That simple idea has since grown into a global community of 3 million foodies across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

First Table spans the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, where it holds the top spot as New Zealand’s #1 restaurant booking app on both Google Play and the App Store.

With more than 3,600 restaurants and a community of 3 million food lovers, First Table makes it easy to discover and enjoy new dining experiences. 

Learn more about the story behind First Table here.