Michelin starred restaurant for pre-school mums night out

[nonwonderwoman]

I don't want to start a Christmas thread in October - but unfortunately that is where this is going.
My DS has just joined a pre-school that is part of a local prep school. There aren't may pre-schools round here and he just goes a few hours a week, but it is a generally lovely non-pretentious little school.
The class rep has just sent round the invite for the class Christmas party which I has previously said yes to as I love a good night out. However, the invite is to a fancy £100 a head Michelin starred place (no drink included - that is just the food!).
AIBU to think this is perfectly bonkers, and not something I want to spend my money on 2 weeks before Christmas, with people I barely know. Plus the restaurant is in the swankiest part of London and we are in the home counties, so it's also a massive trek.
How should I respond? I can't imagine many of the mum's saying yes due to the prohibitive cost - but it's all a bit embarrassing really. What's wrong with tapas at the local pub?

DD is at an independent - our idea of a luxurious mums night out is TGI Fridays!!

Just tell the truth that its more than you were expecting so you'll take a miss - or if you can't do that just tell her you're not longer available

OK, she's pinning her flag to the wall. I.E. she doesn't care if everyone thinks she's a bit of a dick.

That makes things easier - just let her get on with it all, and watch in amusement.

Firstly, on a personal level I would absolutely HATE a Michelin starred restaurant for a get together like this.

Starched white tablecloths, hushed tones, snooty waiters. Everyone stilted and watching what knife or fork to use, you get the picture. No way, it is not a venue for a parent pre Christmas get together at all. Too stuffy IMO. Just me I suppose.

I would much prefer a more relaxed venue where people could grab a drink, mingle and just have a laugh or two. That might be frowned upon by the Michelin restaurant, have to consider all the other diners who may want a quiet but foody night!

I wouldn't go even if someone paid the bill for me. Not a chance.

I could afford it, but it would be a waste of money really. Too starched for me!

Each to their own, although I guess most people in the parent group are probably thinking the same thing really deep down.

So she picked it because she heard other mums are going there
🙄 she's keeping up with the joneses. In reality I doubt the place is packed with mums from your school on nights out, it ain't that kind of gig!

Plenty of Michelin star restaurants without stuffy service or tablecloths dora maybe try some different ones.

Aw Puffpaw, thanks for letting me know that... I am clueless about these things.

Well I know that but honestly my point was no matter what, it is not the type of place for a gathering of parents, no one knows each others' circumstances and it is a bit presumptuous of the organiser.

Anyway Michelin starred restaurants are for FOODIES. Too pretentious for me.

Dora,
Michelin star doesn’t automatically mean stuffy!
There are plenty of pubs with stars. You can take your dog and have a pint in the bar if you want
It just means the food is exceptionally good. It doesn’t mean waiters in white gloves and silence

keep quiet, ten other people will say it for you

going up to london is more likely to be the issue with work / sitters / etc timing

I've been to two Michelin starred restaurants ( lucky me!)neither have been stuffy or starched just very relaxed. In fact ime the more expensive the restaurant the less stuffy it is as it's all about the food not what people are wearing etc and the waiters /waitresses are lovely. But that's by the by as a local drink out is far more appropriate in this case.

Basically what sparechange said

Wow! Her response is so... twatish

Yeah, similar experiences here, really classy restaurants make you feel welcome and relaxed. The problem tends to be with wannabe classy restaurants.

Can't believe she is suggesting people contact her directly and they have to 'be honest'. Clearly she didn't get the response she was looking for from the other mums.

We went to a Michelin starred place on our honeymoon for a taster menu with wine pairings. OMG, it was amazing. And the opposite of stuffy, and all the staff were so lovely and welcoming. The cheese lady was particularly amazing, she brought this massive cart of cheeses around and was recommending the nicest ones - she knew her cheese and she was so enthusiastic We liked the cheese lady.

So I definitely would happily go to another Michelin place when we have some bloody money and would urge anyone to try it if they can. But I maintain that it is crazy to organise a school night out at such a place

Well yes we all Love Michelin star restaurants that's not under debate. The point is that it's an expensive night out for a mums evening out with people you don't know very well.

Just reply with, as we will all be doing the formal meals with work/family etc. Wouldn't it be better to do something less formal such as tapas at xxxx

Maddie the op already replied to that effect

Tasting menu, for lunch, with my mum at Hibiscus, was fabulous.

But for school mums I want bottles of wine and local place.

Fear the organiser has read this thread.

Well glad she has read it, what a silly suggestion and yes good response. My DC's are at private school and we only ever go to £15-£20 per head type place to eat and all constantly moan about how much everything (in the world) costs!

I too like hibiscus for dinner but not with school mums

Let’s go NewMe.

But for school mums @ Christmas, local tapas is best.

Queen Bee sounds ridiculous!

Suck it up it’s xmas 😂 you never know you might enjoy it! I mean don’t if it’ll actually cause you to go hungry the rest of the week (before the Poverty police jump on me😂) or don’t go and tell them why.

Maybe it's a restaurant she has fancied for ages and has no one else to go with !!

The op isnt going and has told them why.

the word you are looking for is "no".

Just very odd.....