The Lowdown: Tory party discount card
Ooh, sounds good. Is it worth switching allegiances for?
Hold your horses. It’s not actually a thing yet, but rather something being mooted by the party, according to The Times, in an attempt to keep up with Labour’s growing youth membership.
So why are we talking about it?
Well it’s already ruffled some (chicken) feathers thanks to Nando’s being named as a potential restaurant business that might offer the blues a discount.
So it’s not true?
Not at all. Nando’s issued a statement denying the claim, reassuring diners that it has “no political affiliations as a brand” and “no political discount card exists”. There are a few set discounts, but they’re offered to people who actually help society… like emergency services workers, and NHS staff.
And Ed Sheeran?
Ed Sheeran, David Beckham, Dizzee Rascal and Jay Z don’t have discount cards - they have black cards, and there’s a big difference. Nando’s famous black cards are never given to people who ask for them, and holders of them are entitled to free food for a year, for five people, once per day.
Nice. So there’s no chance of Theresa May getting one any time soon?
Not likely. Also, we’ve got a feeling that Nando’s might not be her bag. In February 2017, May served a meal to her key staff during election planning, and it was chicken lasagne and boiled potatoes. Which, we feel, should be illegal.
To be honest, Nando’s isn’t the obvious dining choice for any Tory
You’re wrong. David Cameron was photographed eating at Nando’s in 2014 while serving as prime minister in 2014. And if it’s good enough for him...
OK, but there must be more enticing places to attract would-be Tories
Maybe. Quirinale, around the corner from Westminster, is a long-time favourite of the Conservatives, but there is no word on if they offer discount cards. But with antipasti dishes starting at £9, we assume they’ll be putting it on expenses anyway.
Anywhere else?
David Cameron’s brother-in-law owns Kitty Fisher’s, and Cam once told reporters that he treats Samantha to a date night there once a week. Lucky Sam. Theresa May, meanwhile, claims to be a big Ottolenghi fan, so she might have a more discerning palate than she’s letting on. Neither of these restaurants have discount cards, but Ottolenghi does sell vouchers for both its shop and restaurant.
What about Jeremy Corbyn?
Last month, he was in Stoke Newington with Diane Abbott to attend the opening of Mediterranean restaurant Acoustic’s second site. Apparently, the first one is one of his favourite restaurants. A lifelong (and well-documented) vegetarian, Corbyn has also been known to frequent Islington vegetarian restaurant The Gate.
