LIVERPOOL restaurants have backed a new online venture offering discounts on table reservations of up to 70%.

AuctionTables.com is an “ebay-style” auction site, created in partnership with Liverpool web operation IAW (It’s About Websites), for restaurants offering tables or “lots”, listed by their cuisine, location and name.

Bids are placed online from a published reserve up to a recommended retail price and on receipt of payment online the winning bidder receives a confirmation voucher to be presented on arrival at the restaurant.

Paul Newman, former director of Living Ventures, which included well-known venues such as The Living Room, Gusto and Blackhouse Grills restaurants, is behind the venture, which will initially concentrate on the North West before being rolled out across the UK.

He said: “Many restaurants offer the same discounts, such as two mains for the price of one or a free glass of wine, and many restaurateurs feel obliged to join in or lose out.

“But this kind of highly visible, bland discounting sits uncomfortably with many venues who feel their brand is becoming lost and devalued as it joins the ranks of mass, slash-discounting.

“I could see a real need for an alternative, higher-tech and creative way for restaurants to market themselves and offer a much more flexible range of discounts, without looking so desperate.”

Almost 400 North West restaurants, including Liverpool’s Alma De Cuba, The Noble House, Portico, 107 Dining Room, The London Carriage Works at Hope Street Hotel and Chester’s Oddfellows and Hickory’s Smokehouse, are among the venues already signed up to offer listings with the venture.

Mr Newman added: “We’ve got every kind of respected eatery available, from very select award-winning to casual dining restaurants.”