A restaurant booking platform offering diners discounted early-evening meals is launching in Leicester this week.
First Table, which already operates in 18 UK cities, will go live in the city from today (Wednesday, 25 February), partnering with a range of independent restaurants.
Picture credit: First Table
The platform allows diners to access a limited number of off-peak tables, typically around 5.30?pm or after 9?pm, at 50% off the total food bill. Bookings are made via the First Table app or website, with a small booking fee ranging from £4 to £8.
The model is designed to encourage diners to try new venues while helping restaurants fill quieter tables, create atmosphere earlier in service, and make more efficient use of off-peak periods. Over 16 local restaurants, including Veeno, Chutney Ivy, and The Gresham, are participating at launch.
Leicester’s food scene, known for its independent restaurants and multicultural offerings, has shown strong interest in the initiative. Operators say it provides an opportunity to attract new diners and make better use of early-evening service times.
Alex Mondou, operations manager at Veeno, said the platform helps restaurants reach diners who may not have visited otherwise. “It’s a smart way to fill early tables and connect with new customers. We’ve seen the benefits in other locations,” he said.
First Table was founded in Queenstown, New?Zealand, after its CEO noticed a restaurant offering 50% off its first table to generate early interest. Since then, the concept has expanded to the UK, Australia, and New?Zealand, growing into a community of three million users and partnering with more than 3,600 restaurants.
The Leicester launch reflects a broader trend towards earlier dining in the UK, influenced by flexible working patterns and changing social habits, as local restaurants seek to attract diners outside traditional peak hours.
To find out more about the initiative, visit: https://www.firsttable.co.uk/our-story
