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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My friend said I'm "stingy" am I ? Aibu ?

248 replies

sarahlou55k · 27/08/2021 14:53

Me and my friend are going to Manchester tomorrow.
We are going for 2 nights for shopping /food and drinks.
We love a cocktail and said we will have to have a couple of cocktails.

She messages me a hour ago telling me she's booked some fancy place with a skyline view ??
And she's paid for a cocktail tree
It's 8 pornstar martinis and it's £120
So it's £60 each

I told her that was expensive and she really should have asked first
She said "oh stop being stingy it will be fab"

So I've paid £60 for 4 pornstar martinis
£15 each !!
Please someone tell me they agree that £60 for 4 drinks is ridiculous?
I was thinking revolution /slug and lettuce 2 for £10 or 2for £12
Not £60 for 4

I'm annoyed
Aibu ?

OP posts:
fuzzymoomin · 27/08/2021 15:58

I'd be really annoyed about this. £15 per drink doesn't sound unreasonable if it's cocktails in a really nice place. But she should have asked you before booking, first whether you agree that it's a nice place to go and second that you are happy to pay £60 for four of the same drinks. If I'm going for cocktails I prefer to have a few different options! I find it hard to believe that it can't be cancelled, I mean, the drinks are not poured yet are they! Is she just saying that because she wants to go? Try again to cancel.

smallgoon · 27/08/2021 15:59

Pornstar martinis are horrible. I'd be annoyed at having to drink 4 of them too.

PixieLaLa · 27/08/2021 15:59

YABU to want to spend your night in a Slug & Lettuce or Revolutions drinking shitty watered down cocktails! I think your friend has found a lovely place and your paying for the venue/view not just the cocktails. Also you won’t need to worry about traipsing round bars trying to find somewhere with a table etc. It’s booked and paid for now so just enjoy! Smile

burritofan · 27/08/2021 15:59

I’d be furious enough at being forced to spend my money on one porn star martini, let alone 4. 🤮

She chose that occasion and took half your budget – you choose the next night’s venue/set menu/budget?

Floralnomad · 27/08/2021 16:00

I think she should have checked but I also think that your budget was very unrealistic for food and drinks for 2nights away , particularly if you plan to drink alcohol / cocktails .

ActonSquirrel · 27/08/2021 16:00

@crowsfeet57

Cloud 23.She says it's got great views

Can't say I noticed the views, I was too gobsmacked at the amount of people wearing miniscule frocks when there was snow on the ground outside.

I believe some people go there in the hope of meeting a footballer!

Not been but the view can't possibly rival that. London cocktail bar where the drinks are cheaper and the view better.
My friend said I'm "stingy" am I ? Aibu ?
FinallyHere · 27/08/2021 16:01

The venue looks great, but the drinks menu indicates that a single, freshly made pornstar martini can be had for £13.

I can only imaging that ordering a tree in advance would be worth the extra if you are a large group, who would all get their first cocktail more quickly if pre-ordered.

Paying extra for the two of you doesn't seem that sensible. The PP's idea to ask for them to be supplied individually is a good one. I'm sure this would need to be gone in advance snd might be asking too much on a busy BH weekend.

Even better if you could choose different cocktails in the night. It's been quite a while since I last say a new cocktail on a list, such as their signature Up, Up & Away.

Zippy1510 · 27/08/2021 16:03

Are you going to cloud 23? It’s very expensive and overpriced IMO- you are paying for the view. There’s tons of lovely independent cocktail bars in Manchester you could get a lot more for your money at.

category12 · 27/08/2021 16:05

@FinallyHere

The venue looks great, but the drinks menu indicates that a single, freshly made pornstar martini can be had for £13.

I can only imaging that ordering a tree in advance would be worth the extra if you are a large group, who would all get their first cocktail more quickly if pre-ordered.

Paying extra for the two of you doesn't seem that sensible. The PP's idea to ask for them to be supplied individually is a good one. I'm sure this would need to be gone in advance snd might be asking too much on a busy BH weekend.

Even better if you could choose different cocktails in the night. It's been quite a while since I last say a new cocktail on a list, such as their signature Up, Up & Away.

It probably comes with extras, like nibbles and guaranteed window seat, that sort of thing.
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 27/08/2021 16:06

Mmmm. A really well mixed cocktail is a thing of beauty (personally any variation on just gin or vodka, vermouth, an olive and brine or twist of lemon and served as cold as Siberia is an abomination but hey ho, each to their own) and in a decent venue such as where you're going I would expect to pay between £8-£12 if it's not happy hour.

However it's Manchester and sounds quite spectacular therefore won't be cheap so maybe see it is a lovely treat.

A proper cocktail is one you take your time drinking. If you can neck a martini or several it's either been watered down or you will be on your back quite soon Wink

Maybe friend should have spoke to you first because regardless of my love of the Martini £60 is a lot of money. However if your in a nice place supping away maybe relax, take your time and enjoy what sounds like it could be a lovely evening. I definitely think you should consult someone before booking something like this though.

Can I come?!

Lairymary · 27/08/2021 16:07

Hmm. I would be annoyed that she had booked it without asking but that's because I like to research places first. I would only ever book something without asking first if it was my treat/ a surprise. For that sort of money I would expect 4 very well made cocktails, but a choice, (having said that I do bloody love a pornstar martini) with an amazing view and atmosphere so you're paying for the whole experience. Your friend is cheeky for spending your money without telling you but I would go along with it anyway and hope for her sake you enjoy the experience!

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 27/08/2021 16:07

Although I'm not sure a classy joint would serve a cocktail "tree". For one, all the others will get warm when you drink your first and your little Prosecco side could go flat and warm also. And it does hint at then being made in advance.

Sad
ParkheadParadise · 27/08/2021 16:08

After you have your 4 cocktails are you having a kitty?
What will you have to drink later on?

Howshouldibehave · 27/08/2021 16:08

I would be really pissed off-I like choosing my own drinks and don’t like pornstar martinis!

Danikm151 · 27/08/2021 16:09

It's not being stingy it's sticking to your budget!

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 27/08/2021 16:10

Oooh another vote for a Negroni.

Or a Vespa Martini if you want to sleep very well half an hour later Wink

FinallyHere · 27/08/2021 16:10

@category12 ah, thank you.

tttigress · 27/08/2021 16:14

BTW aren't these cocktail trees normally consumed by more than 2 people?! Might work for 4 or 8, not sure it is designed for 2!!

Benjispruce5 · 27/08/2021 16:17

Yanbu!! That’s outrageous. Cancel, they haven’t poured them yet! I wouldn’t enjoy them at that price.

Original poster
sarahlou55k · 27/08/2021 16:18

Yeah I've been away with her before and never had any problems.
It's for 2 of us so 4 drinks each.
I'm not sure if it's just the tree or tree and nibbles.
I know it is a window seat as it's reserved as part of the package ...

OP posts:
Benjispruce5 · 27/08/2021 16:20

Limey it’s Manchester not NYC! Not views I’d pay over the top for- no offence to Manchester.

Tulipomania · 27/08/2021 16:24

wtf is a 'cocktail tree'?

IntermittentParps · 27/08/2021 16:25

I don't think it's outrageous money for the view/location. But I'd like some variety of drinks – I'd get bored if ALL of them were my favourite.

But YABU to have just sent the money even though you don't really want to spend it. I'd have been firmer.

SprayedWithDettol · 27/08/2021 16:26

I think it is more acceptable to call it a passion fruit martini now.

Tulipomania · 27/08/2021 16:27

I have just asked DS who works in a bar, he said only girls order them.

Surely if there's only 2 of you, by the time you get to the last one it will be warm and the ice will have melted?