All the tricks to get free beers and drinks this summer – from pub rewards to happy hours
WE all love enjoying a cold drink in the sunshine, but there’s no need for your summer tipple to break the bank.
From pub rewards to brewer loyalty schemes and happy hours, there are loads of ways to claim a free bevvy this summer.
Many pub groups and breweries offer loyalty schemes or points systems to earn rewards.
Others host weekly happy hour deals where selected drinks are available on a two-for-one deal.
Here are all the ways you can get free beers and drinks this summer…
Ember Inns
With the Ember Inns app, you can claim a free pint of beer or a glass of wine, gin and tonic or soft drink this summer.
The pub group, which has more than 150 venues, gives a free drink to every customer who downloads and signs up for its app.
The app also gives customers access to offers through its Wine Club and Fizz Weekend, as well as the chance to collect rewards every time you spend £10.
Members will also receive 25% off their first round of drinks on their birthday and 25% off their bill on their half birthday.
Greene King
The Greene King app can help you cut the cost of spending a relaxing day in the pub.
Users who download and sign up to the pub giant’s app receive £5 to spend on food, as well as access to deals across its food and drink range.
The app also conveniently allows you to browse the food and drink offering across its more than 2,700 pubs and order from your table.
Titanic Brewery
Staffordshire-based Titanic Brewery has a loyalty scheme offering members a host of rewards across its venues.
As well as a free birthday drink, the brewery offers members the chance to collect points for every £1 spent, which then can be cashed in across its pubs and cafes.
Titanic also offers a first class membership for £50 a year.
First class members receive more points per pound spent, as well as getting £1 off a pint every week and an invitation to an annual event at the brewery.
Planet BrewDog
BrewDog launched its loyalty scheme in 2021, rewarding fans with free drinks and exclusive access to new releases.
Benefits have included shopping vouchers, free four-packs of beer and the chance to try new products first.
The loyalty scheme is currently being reworked, but new rewards are expected soon.
Prezzo
Enjoy a free bottle of Prosecco, red or white wine or a pint of Poretti on your birthday at Prezzo.
Those that sign up for the restaurant group’s newsletter receive a birthday treat of either a free drink or two free desserts on their birthday.
An email with a code to claim the reward will be sent two weeks before customers’ birthdays and is valid for 60 days.
Nicholson’s
If you fancy a free cider in the sun simply download the Nicholson’s app and register with the pub group.
Those who do so will receive a code to claim a free bottle of Rekorderlig cider at one of its more than 70 pubs.
The code must be claimed within six weeks of registering and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.
O’Neill’s
Create an O’Neill’s reward account and claim a free welcome drink this summer.
The pub group’s loyalty programme also gives members the chance to collect stamps that can be exchanged for exclusive rewards.
They’ll also get priority access to limited edition offers and deals.
Peroni
Italian-founded lager brand Peroni gives beer fans the chance to earn points as they sip with its new scheme.
Points can be collected whether you’re enjoying a drink in a pub, bar or at home and cashed in for rewards including merchandise and tickets to events.
Lager fans can claim points by following QR codes on products and uploading pictures of their beers and receipts.
The points can then be cashed in at the Club Peroni online store.
Rewards include four bottles of non-alcoholic beer.
Browns
Browns is offering those who sign up to its newsletter the chance to claim a free cocktail with a main meal this summer.
The bar chain will email those who sign up a code that can be used to claim a free muddle strawberry mojito or virgin yuzu and elderflower fizz.
The offer can be claimed for about four weeks after registering.
Happy hours
Many pubs still offer happy hour deals where customers can pick up their favourite drinks for half the price, for a limited time.
Across O’Neill’s, Ember Inns and Sizzling Pubs in England and Wales happy hour deals are available between 5pm and 8pm on Thursdays.
Many Greene King pubs also host happy hours between 4pm until 7pm, Monday to Thursday, while Be at One bars often run the promotion across several evenings a week.
Turtle Bay restaurants also offer happy hour deals until 7pm each day and again from 9pm to close.
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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