Read the full list of restaurants offering 50 per cent off this month in Milton Keynes

The scheme gives 50 per cent discounts up to £10 per person on sit-down meals out from Monday to Wednesday each week.

American Express cards can get a double discount under the company's 'Shop Small' scheme. This means a £20 meal for two can be snapped up for just a fiver.

Taking part nationally in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme are more than 53,000 restaurants, cafés and pubs – including independents and big chains such as McDonald's, Nando's and The Ivy Collection.

Outlets that take part must apply the discount automatically on the entire bill except alcohol and service charges. So even if you use a voucher, the offer should still work.

There are two lists published today by the government to allow people to check which restaurants are participating in their area. One is for smaller outlets and the other is for national chains.

The first list covers businesses that have fewer than 26 outlets. You can view the MK list here by putting in your postcode.

The second list covers chain restaurants and larger businesses registered for the scheme. You can view this list here .

Meanwhile financial website This is Money has published details of how people with an American Express card can get 75 per cent of their bill, bringing the cost of a £20 meal for two down to just £5.

Though maximum discount per person is £10, American Express is offering a £5 cashback scheme which means people can get even more off their bill, they say.

You can read the details here .