Great food at local venues doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Thanks to a smart Aussie app called EatClub, Northern Beaches locals can now score up to 50% off meals at popular venues like Pilu Freshwater, Bar Elvina, 4 Pines, The Pantry, Suki Asian, Menya Monaka, Shore Beach Club and many more, just by redeeming in the app before they eat out.
How it works
To do so, you only have to download the free EatClub app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. From there, you’ll instantly see real-time offers from nearby restaurants. If you like the look of a deal, simply redeem it, add your EatClub card to your digital wallet, and tap to pay when you dine to apply your discount automatically.
“One of the pain points we noticed in the market was the awkwardness of checking out with a coupon code”, says founder Pan Koutlakis. “With EatClub Pay, all you need to do is tap your phone, and the discount is automatically deducted from your linked bank card. No awkward conversations. This means no fussing around at the counter – you donʼt even have to let the venue know that you have a deal.
With a huge variety of great local venues, it’s the perfect way to get a deal on dining out, great for occasions or even an average weekday dinner, while supporting local business owners.
Why restaurants love it too
For local restaurant owners, the biggest challenge is consistency. While most venues are packed on weekends, weekdays can be quieter; but these days are still important to move stock, pay wages and cover overheads.
The app was launched in 2016 by founder Pan Koutlakis in partnership with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White (who mentored Gordon Ramsey and was the youngest chef in history to earn three Michelin stars), and has been expanding ever since into new markets, including the UK and now, the Northern Beaches.
“It’s all about contribution to costs, says White. “Yes, you don’t do it on a Friday, Saturday night, Sunday lunch, because [restaurants] can fill up then. But Monday night’s a tough night… And especially in these testing times, everybody wants a deal.
Timo, the manager of The Pantry in Manly, says “It’s great because we can fill out those time slots while we have extra staff on, especially during the winter… (EatClub) has this discrete feeling to it, where our staff donʼt have to know, the customer doesn’t need to tell us that they’re dining out on a budget.
Exclusive Tawny reader bonus
For readers of the Tawny, EatClub is also offering an additional $10 off your first Northern Beaches dine-out order, on top of any deal already active at the venue with the code TAWNY10. As Koutlakis says, “Itʼs just a great way to eat out while supporting your local business owners, everyone wins.
Get the app
Head here to download the app