After visiting the pub a couple of weeks or so ago and agreeing 4 mains options and 3 pud options off their main menu, plus one alcoholic drink per person (any draught beer, 175ml glass wine or single spirit and mixer), and one soft drink on arrival (orange juice, granadine and lemonade), I've been working out how much the full cost is likely to be given the prices on the menus, and the cost of drinks that were mentioned - £4 per alcoholic and £3 per soft drink.
We've still got 5 to come, but even going on the most expensive option combination for them, plus everyone having an alcoholic drink (we have half a dozen children who won't be having one), I have estimated less than £700, and that's still allowing a bit of mark up on top of the profit they've already factored into the menu price. Actual cost would be nearer £650.
The manager said he'd sort us out a quote, but as I'd not heard I assumed he was waiting to see what we'd ordered before giving us a final price. After all, cheapest combination is £17.20, and most expensive is £20.20.
Have just picked up an email with a quote of £29.95 per person. bringing total cost to £1008.65! Bearing in mind we've also already paid £200 for hire/sole use of the upstairs of the pub, leaving them very little room downstairs, BUT as we knew most of our guests are in their 70's and 80's and have to get trains or drive home and would probably be leaving before 9.30, we said we would be happy to open up one room to the public after that so they don't lose too much business on a Saturday night in August.
So does anyone have any tips on how to approach bringing the costs down a bit? I would have expected a small rise on menu prices, and allowing for some wines being £4.25 a glass and not the £4, but over £300 seems a little steep to me?
