Taff Ely’s restaurants are hoping to cook up a storm as part of an important campaign to raise the profile of – and boost the number of visitors to – town centres.

Supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the eateries will be taking part in Dine 2009 next month, which offers discounted lunchtime and evening meals in a bid to lure all-important trade and bolster the local economy.

Twenty restaurants across RCT are taking part in the initiative, offering special £5 lunches and £10 evening meals to entice customers to their venues and visitors to the wider community.

They include: 

1. Grills Steakhouse in Pontypridd
2. Amigos in Aberdare
3. Peppers in Aberdare
4. Come Enjoy in Aberdare
5. Brewsters in Aberdare
6. Mouchak in Tonyrefail
7. Windmill in Porth
8. Indiaah in Pontyclun
9. La Cucina in Pontyclun
10. Everest Tandoori in Pontypridd
11. Flagtsones in Pontypridd
12. Fulbrook’s Bistro in Pontyclun
13. The Mint Leaf in Llanharan
14. The Red Rose in Ton Pentre
15. The Spice in Pontyclun
16. The New Market Tavern in Aberdare
17. The Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd
18. Alfred’s Bar and Grill in Pontypridd
19. Blueberry Hotel in Pontypridd
20. Italian Trattoria in Pontypridd

The restaurants are supported in their entry to Dine 2009 by Rhondda Cynon Taf  Council’s Town Centre Regeneration Team, who have recognised the importance of raising the profile of what is on offer across the town centres in RCT.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, said: “We are committed to doing all we can to raise the profile of our town centres, especially in these difficult economic times.

"The truth is, there are so many hidden treasures to be found in our town centres, especially in the restaurants where people can enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices.

“However, the only way people will discover such treasures is if they come to the town centres and find out for themselves and we hope that supporting our restaurants so they can take part n Dine 2009 will assist in that.

“Of course they are taking part to raise the profile of what they as individual premises can offer, but it is wider than that, it is about encouraging people to try something new and bolster the economy.”

Dine 2009 is running across the UK from October 12-18 and will see restaurants, including those listed above, offering special £5 lunches and £10 evening meals. Some have special set menus, others are creating their own meals for the week.

Former Blue Peter and Dancing on Ice Star Zoe Salmon is fronting the campaign and urging residents to take advantage of their local businesses.

Vouchers are not needed, but it is recommended to book with your chosen restaurant.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf the event is held in conjunction with Pontypridd's latest campaign - "Love Eating Out - Love Ponty".