Forum Topic

Why are things so costly ?

I was looking through some menus recently and was horrified to see how costly small items have become. Bread costs £2.50 and a small dish of simple olives cost £3.75. A tiny bottle of still water would set me back £2.50! And horror of horrors a bottle of house wine at £16.50! What's the world coming to?

Gerry Tan ● 4490d16 Comments

Some people want the earth for nothing.I am more than willing to pay for good food and good service but some establishments do 'take the rise' when it comes to sides and extras.

Nigel Brooks ● 4488d

Yes London born and bred. And this was after we presented her partner with a large birthday cake (for 12) and ice creams free of charge.

David P Archer ● 4488d

Did she sound as if she was from the UK?

Graham Weeks ● 4488d

We too automatically give tap water to all customers unless they specifically request still or sparkling with their drinks. However I was a bit shocked on Friday last week when a lady asked at the end of the meal if the tap water "was clean" and "next time could she be given free still water instead"

David P Archer ● 4488d

Well said Philippa, just our sentiments too.

Gerry Tan ● 4488d

In France you would automatically be given a jug of tap water on the table.It is ridiculous in a country like this paying for water in bottles that is quite likely to be tested less than our tap water.  Then there are all those bottles to be disposed of.I would rather pay more for the food and any other drinks.

Philippa Bond ● 4488d

Like Philippa we always ask for tap water with ice and a slice of lemon. I object to paying a few quid for H2O pas de gas.

Gerry Tan ● 4488d

I must admit, that really annoys me when people ask for tap water!They are there to make money and if we all ask for tap water they won't. As someone said, stay in if you don't want to be 'ripped off'. We are paying for the 'ambience' and not having to wash up.

Simon Wycombe ● 4488d

I drink tap water and always ask for tap water in a restaurant.

Philippa Bond ● 4489d

At Chez Graham, Chateau Weeks, made on the premises, well under £1 a bottle. Any poster welcome to come and sample.

Graham Weeks ● 4490d

I'd avoid The Plough then Gerry - bread and oils (measly little slices) - £5.00!!

Samantha-Jane Hunt ● 4490d

Well Gerry we don't sell bread but our house wine is £13.95We would love to sell at original price but1. our menu has changed prices for over 5 years2. everything we buy HAS increased in price from meat, veg, rice, wine, beer etc3. rent, rates, electric, gas, water, phone bills etc all have to be paid and they don't come down4. hmrc want their cut - vat/paye/taxesit kind of explains why so may restaurants are closing their doors for good

David P Archer ● 4490d

At 'Chez Nigel'Good fresh bread c.£0.50Big bowl of olives £0.55 (based on 1/4 of a large tub which cost £2.20)Still water - free save for the cost of the filter so let's say £0.05House wine -yuk. Bottle of Temparinello £7.00Save your money Gerry. Eat out by all means but don't get ripped-off.

Nigel Brooks ● 4490d

Restaurants have had to keep their prices down these last few years so they charge stupid amounts for these 'extras'. Just don't order them.

Susan Kelly ● 4490d

This is what's called a 'First World problem'.

Keith Iddon ● 4490d

Eat at home Gerry.

Graham Weeks ● 4490d