Westfield offering couples who met during lockdown a free meal for their first in-person date

Venues including Pastaio, Pasta Remoli and Bat & Ball are taking part

Couples who met during lockdown can get a free meal for their first in-person date.

Over the last few months, the dating scene has looked a little different with single people forced to communicate with potential new love interests online.

Now as restrictions ease and traditional dating spots like cinemas and restaurants reopen, couples can meet face-to-face, as long as they adhere to social distancing rules.

In a bid to unite people who have been getting to know each other through screens throughout lockdown, Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City are giving away free meals to couples going on their first in-person date.

The scheme, which has been launched in collaboration with a range of restaurant and entertainment venues including Pastaio, Pasta Remoli and Bat & Ball, will see the shopping centre pay the bills of 100 lucky daters.

To qualify, all you need to do is show a screen grab of one of your lockdown virtual dates together. If you happen to be one of the first 100 daters to visit one of the involved outlets between 14 July and 2 August, you will receive a £50 voucher to spend on food and drink.

Alyson Hodkinson, general manager at Westfield Stratford City said: “While virtual calls and meet ups have been crucial over the past few months to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues, there’s nothing quite like meeting up in real life.

“At Westfield Stratford City and Westfield London, we are thrilled to see the reopening of many of our dining and entertainment venues since 4 July.

“Partnering with our restaurants to host first real life dates for those who have been meeting virtually whilst on lockdown is a fun way to welcome people back to our centres and we’re delighted to be able to provide new couples with a safe and welcome space to get to know each other better.”

Westfield is not the only company helping people to celebrate milestone occasions post-lockdown.

Earlier this week, Krispy Kreme announced it is offering free doughnuts to anyone who had a birthday between 23 March, which is when Boris Johnson imposed the UK lockdown, and 3 July, which is when pubs and restaurants were finally allowed to reopen.

However, there is a catch as the offer is only valid to customers who buy something else from Krispy Kreme with a minimum value of £1.55, and the only doughnut included in the offer is the company’s Original Glazed.