RESTAURANTS in Worcestershire are being urged to encourage romance and save energy at the same time.

Pubs, restaurants and eateries are being encouraged to take part in ‘Dine By Candlelight’ during Switch It Off Week in November.

Worcestershire County Council’s energy-saving initiative invites restaurateurs to switch off the lights for at least one night between Saturday, November 7, and Friday, November 13.

Diners will be able to enjoy the romantic glow of candlelight, while businesses will benefit by cutting their electricity bills. The county council’s sustainability team wants to hear from any restaurant, pub or eatery that wants to take part – eligible venues will receive bespoke Dine By Candlelight posters and materials, and the first 10 restaurants to register will receive five beeswax candles each to help set the mood.

Participating venues will be listed on the council’s online Green Directory, so diners can find a suitable Dine By Candlelight experience quickly and easily.

The promotion is part of Switch It Off Week, which encourages us all to save power by bypassing the stand-by switch and turning off appliances altogether. The county council is running the scheme alongside Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Gastro Card, Destination Worcestershire and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for sustainability, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get involved with an innovative and creative campaign. As well as attracting customers who are keen to enjoy the romance and intimacy of candlelight, restaurants can also take a step towards greater energy efficiency and lower bills. I encourage as many local eating establishments as possible to register with us to take part in Dine By Candlelight.”

Any businesses keen to get involved should e-mail sustainability@worcester shire.gov.uk or call 01905 822029 by Tuesday, October 20.