Cheap nights out
Affordable dates with mates or your hubby.
Even if the household budget is tight you can still get some quality me-time to re-energise yourselves.
Monday menus
The beginning of the week is often a slow time for bars and restaurants so look out for places near you that offer Monday night set menu offers. You can get some great bargains this way.
Go bowling
Two hours’ bowling is much cheaper than a night at the theatre. If there is a bunch of you it might be cheaper to pay by the lane rather than per person. Make a night of it by dressing up fifties-style.
Wine tasting
Many larger wine chains offer regular tasting events that can be a great, fun start to an evening out and you might learn something! Some specialists even offer evenings with a talk about their wines for a small charge per head – great if there are 10 or more of you.
Savvy tip
Many cinemas (including the Odeon chain) show live screenings of major theatre, sports or ballet events so you see big names without paying for premium seats or even travelling too far to see them.
Pass it on – culture by night
Museums and galleries around the country have regular (often monthly) free events where you can enjoy talks, hear live music, get a drink and see exhibitions without the crowds. Most of these are not at all high-brow – they’re just a chance to chill out in a very different setting.
• Look out for your local gallery’s events, eg: Sheffield, London, Scotland.