Gaucho launches VAT-free Friday lunches

Gaucho has decided to launch VAT-free lunches on Fridays during March in all its ten central London locations.

The decision follows the decision for the Chancellor not to abandon the ‘tourist tax’ in the Spring Budget as well as the Mayor of London’s campaign to bring back Friday trading in the capital ‘Let’s do Friday’s’. 

Diners who visit any of Gaucho’s ten Central London venues every Friday during March will automatically enjoy a 20% off all ‘a la carte’ dining bills between 12-4pm.

CEO Martin Williams, said: “The Budget was the last chance for the Conservatives to support the hospitality sector for the first time since the pandemic, by listening to over 100 hospitality leaders and reducing VAT in restaurants to 12.5% and capping business rates increases. 

“Sadly Chancellor Hunt has once again ignored our sector which employs over 3 million people and is an important part of our society and offered no meaningful support. Thus, at Gaucho we have made a decision to remove VAT off all lunch bills every Friday.”

The initiative comes after a “record year” in the chain’s 2023 results, following a successful new growth campaign which included a new opening in London’s Covent Garden.

Amy Lame, night tsar for the Mayor of London welcomed this initiative whilst Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “This is a fantastic initiative, which I’m sure will be incredibly popular with both Londoners and visitors alike. It’s a perfect demonstration of what could be possible for venues if the Chancellor acts on the united calls from hospitality to permanently lower the rate of VAT – lower prices, increased demand and busier high streets.”