There's a way to save money on a meal out, as well as help restaurants test out their menus and staff.
Did you know that money-savvy Londoners and foodies can make use of a unique website, Soft Launch, that connects food enthusiasts and budget-conscious diners in London with exclusive discounts at newly opened restaurants?
By showcasing soft launch deals, the website allows users to enjoy delicious meals at significantly reduced prices, often as much as 50% off. This concept not only benefits diners, who can grab a cheap meal, but also serves a strategic purpose for restaurants as they prepare for their official openings.
What is a Soft Launch?
A soft launch refers to a period during which a restaurant opens its doors to the public but does so in a limited capacity. This phase often includes offering discounts or complimentary meals to attract customers and gather feedback.
Soft launches serve several purposes for the restaurants:
Trial Run: Restaurants use this time to test their menu and service and fine-tune their operations without the pressure of a full-scale opening. It allows staff to practice and refine their skills in a real-world setting.
Customer Feedback: Early diners provide valuable insights that can help the restaurant make adjustments before the grand opening.
Building Buzz: Offering discounts creates excitement and encourages word-of-mouth marketing, which is crucial for attracting future patrons.
Benefits for Money Savers and Foodies
For diners, particularly those looking to save money while enjoying new culinary experiences, soft launches present an excellent opportunity. Here are some key benefits of why keeping your eye out for soft launch restaurant opportunities, can be a great idea:
Significant Discounts: Many restaurants offer steep discounts during their soft launch phase—often up to 50% off. This makes trying new places more affordable and encourages diners to explore various cuisines without breaking the bank.
Diverse Dining Options: With new restaurants opening frequently in London, foodies have the chance to sample a wide range of dishes from different cultures and culinary styles. Soft Launch helps keep track of these openings, ensuring that diners are always in the know about where to find the latest hotspots.
Exclusive Access: Soft launches often aren't widely advertised, meaning those who are in the loop (like subscribers of platforms such as Soft Launch) can enjoy exclusive access to deals and experiences before they become mainstream.
How Soft Launch Works
Soft Launch operates by curating a list of participating restaurants and their respective offers. Users can easily navigate through various deals available at new establishments across London.
Example offers when writing this blog post in October 2024 included:
- Freak Scenein Balham & Parsons Green offers 25% off High Tea Brunch every Saturday until November 9th
- Sixty|Four Cocktail Baris providing 25% off food and cocktails from Wednesday to Sunday until October 31st
- BOCCONCINO, Mayfair - 25% off Sunday buffet brunch throughout October
These deals not only entice diners with the prospect of savings but also allow restaurants to gather crucial feedback on their offerings before fully launching.
Should you sign up for Soft Launch & what does it cost?
Soft Launch offers two different membership level, a free option and the VIP option. The differences are:
Free membership level:
5-10 restaurant deals a month
Access to public posts
VIP membership level - £5 per month or £48 if you buy a year subscription
Unlock all the deals
2x more deals than free subscribers
Access to Always-On Offers
VIP exclusives you won't find elsewhere
First dibs on tables - get sent every free deal 24hrs+ before free subscribers
Cancel anytime
If you live in, work in, or travel to London frequently, Soft Launch is a useful website to join. It allows you to try out new restaurants and food at a great price, which you might otherwise never get to experience, and discover new restaurants that perhaps you may not have heard of otherwise!
I'm a free member and am unlikely to upgrade to VIP, as I don't live in London and only go to 'The Big Smoke' a couple of times a year, (although I could go more as I'm less than an hour away by train, but it is expensive to travel up just for a meal!), however, if I were a more frequent visitor to London, or lived there, (or nearer there), I would certainly think that £5 a month to save up to 50% off restaurant meals potentially, is a wide investment, especially if I had a good social life and liked to try new restaurants with friends and family, so I think its an invaluable resource for both food lovers and savvy spenders in London.
The basic membership is free, making it an invaluable resource for both food lovers and savvy spenders in London. Whether you're a local or just visiting, keeping an eye on soft launches can lead you to some of the best dining experiences London has to offer—all while saving money along the way.