Maisie Wilson, a 21-year-old degree apprentice earning £33,000 a year, has mastered the art of enjoying London's food and drink scene without paying full price. She uses a combination of discount apps, loyalty programs, and mailing lists to cut costs significantly.
Key money-saving tools
Wilson relies on the Eat Club app, which offers 50% off at participating restaurants across the UK. The app works for walk-ins only; users redeem an offer, pay via the Eat Club card in their digital wallet, and the discount applies automatically. She also uses The Fork and First Table for similar deals. “These restaurants have got tables that are going unused, so they can still make a profit from charging 50% of the bill,” she said. Wilson uses these offers about twice a month and earns £20 per referral by inviting friends.
Loyalty points and mailing lists
Wilson converts Tesco Clubcard points into restaurant reward codes, which are worth three times their face value. For example, a £2.50 voucher becomes £7.50 at participating restaurants. “Every few months I have enough points for money towards a meal out,” she said. She also signs up for mailing lists from chains like Pizza Express and Bella Italia, which offer deals not advertised on menus, such as bottomless pasta for £15 or buy-one-get-one for £1.
Student discounts and step-counting apps
Wilson uses Greene King’s 20% student discount, which can be reused every hour, allowing friends to take turns buying rounds. The Dusk app provides free drinks at select bars and pubs. For coffee, she uses the Paace app, which offers discounts based on step count. “You don’t have to do a crazy number of steps, and you can get restaurant discounts through there as well,” she said.
Impact on lifestyle
Wilson shares her tips on TikTok (@maisiewilsonn_), where followers were amazed by the offers. She encourages others to adopt these habits, noting that couponing should not be taboo during the cost-of-living crisis. “So many grads and apprentices are living in London on salaries that aren’t really fit for London,” she said. “I started looking into ways I could have the lifestyle I want, on my salary, and make little luxuries more affordable.”
Sample savings
Wilson documented specific savings: 35% off at Kanada Ya (saved £18.39 for two), 25% off at Camile (saved £7.74), 30% off at Lina Stores (saved £23.50), and 25% off at Jatra Restaurant (saved £12.40).
