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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is alot of money for an afternoon tea?

185 replies

Mummyof287 · 29/09/2022 11:28

A Hen do is being planned for next year for a close friend (I am one of the bridesmaids, but another whom I don't know is planning the hen party)
I'm very honoured to be her bridesmaid, and obviously i'm going to attend but can only go for the afternoon tea daytime part (Some are staying overnight, which the organiser said would be paying a higher price but not sure how she has worked it all out)

I am just abit shocked at the price of the afternoon tea, which she has said will be £40- then they are splitting the cost of the Bride (which I am MORE than happy to contribute towards) which brings the total p/p for day guests to £60.
Tbh i was expecting the cost to be about £25 max (then the contribution for the bride on top)
The going rate around here is £15-20/head for afternoon tea, or £25ish at the poshest venues I guess.
I mean its £45 p/p at The Ritz in central london! :-/

AIBU to be thinking of asking the organiser where the place is and ringing to confirm the cost is correct?
Money is tight, and whilst I want to be there for my lovely friend, pay my way and contribute to her having a wonderful hen do, I don't want to be paying towards everyone else.

OP posts:
AngelsWithSilverWings · 29/09/2022 17:31

I love an afternoon tea. Our local hotel charges £45 for tea with Prosecco. The last time I looked Claridges tea was at least £80 but it's such a lovely experience that it's worth it for a special occasion. Didn't enjoy the Ritz as much.

WeAllHaveWings · 29/09/2022 17:37

Squashpocket · 29/09/2022 14:59

@WeAllHaveWings because, to be honest, that comes across as penny-pinching at best and that you're accusing the organiser of stealing at worst. Wouldn't be the best way to start a hen do 😐

If someone sent that to me those would not even enter my thoughts, so I would have absolutely no problems sending it either. There is no accusation of stealing other than in your mind, and there is no problems asking what is included in a package you are paying for.

If it was me organising I would think, I should have sent more info and reply - "yes, it does sound posh 🥂 so hoping it will be a bit special for the hen. It is at Superposh Teas in Fancy Avenue and includes a couple of bottles of processco between us, then we can get more if we want"

If the organiser/reader wants to read negativity into it that is their look out.

rookiemere · 29/09/2022 17:43

Actually I've reread your OP.

You're a BM so you absolutely need to go to part of the hen do. It's not like it's planned abroad or anything. You have until next year to save up. I think you need to plaster on a smile and save a fiver a month or whatever it is until then.

urgen · 29/09/2022 17:52

I have been to the Ritz. I didnt like it. Claridges much better for the price.

cinnabongene · 29/09/2022 18:19

urgen · 29/09/2022 17:52

I have been to the Ritz. I didnt like it. Claridges much better for the price.

Agree. We went to the Ritz festive afternoon tea a few years ago. It was just ok in my opinion. The Dorchester is the best I’ve been to.

pimlicoanna · 29/09/2022 18:43

That's way less than I've ever paid.

Justbefair · 30/09/2022 18:14

These places rip you off. The times I have spent a fortune on such afternoon teas and all I've had is some sarnies, a scone, cake and a hot drink, which none of us wanted as we were celebrating so bought our own alcohol so extra expense. Why don't these parties just say meet in a bar, book a corner and enjoy?

Doggate1 · 30/09/2022 18:23

Afternoon tea … one of the biggest rip offs known to man and the people keep flocking back again and again …

PlentyOfBiscuitsWithTea · 30/09/2022 18:27

Sounds cheap to me! Especially if it includes the booze.

Silvers11 · 30/09/2022 18:33

Ok - as far as the afternoon tea is concerned, if it's £40 probably not unreasonable, especially if it involves any booze. However, if it's £20 per person for the Bride's share, I think it would be reasonable to check what that is going to be for? Maybe ask if that is a mistake and play stupid that you aren't clear about what the £20 for the bride is - and ask is there going to be other things to pay for and see what the organiser says? £20 for the Bride doesn't make sense JUST for afternoon tea? Hopefully you will get a reply that makes it clear?

StaryEyes1978 · 30/09/2022 18:35

OP are you sure that the £40 includes just afternoon tea and not gifts/bunting/party favours for the party? I do however think that your share of the afternoon tea for the bride seems a lot unless it’s just two of you? Splitting it?

cherish123 · 30/09/2022 18:37

£40 is about right. Although, I think you'll only get prosecco (not champagne) for that.

Worthyornot · 30/09/2022 18:39

That is very cheap for London op. I took my ds 6yo recently and his charge was 53 so 45 for an adult is cheap.

Worthyornot · 30/09/2022 18:45

Sorry meant 55 for me and 30 for ds.

SuperGinger · 30/09/2022 18:49

Fortnums £78, a total rip off.

user1494050295 · 30/09/2022 18:52

I remember being invited to a hen do (bowling and a personalised t shirt) for £80 a head 15 years ago. Didn’t include alcohol or food. A few of declined.

Ramsbottom · 30/09/2022 18:53

So you think you’re being gouged and scammed. How odd. Just call and confirm instead of starting threads. If you are right, speak to them if you’re wrong, have a think about yourself.

Ramsbottom · 30/09/2022 18:57

I can’t believe the going rate where you are is 15 quid, where’s that at, greggs?

LanaLily11 · 30/09/2022 18:59

I recently paid £120 for afternoon tea at the Tiffany cafe at harrods. It came with two signature cocktails. Was amazing

ilovegranny · 30/09/2022 19:02

£85 including a glass of champagne at the Ritz earlier this year. Not complaining, just saying.

SaintMaryMead · 30/09/2022 19:06

I love how this has become an I paid considerably more for a sandwich and scone than yow fest. Classic MN.

FangsForTheMemory · 30/09/2022 19:09

To a great extent you get what you pay for with afternoon teas. The Ritz looks expensive but you get extra sandwiches and a second pot of tea.

SLM101 · 30/09/2022 19:15

The Ritz is 80.plus. it must be a special.one with drink so enjoy x

threatmatrix · 30/09/2022 19:20

VanGoghsDog · 29/09/2022 11:33

I don't think the Ritz is £45. I paid £60 at Browns earlier this year.

Afternoon tea at the ritz is £67 and £75 at Claridges ( which is 100 times better) or £85 with a glass of bubbles.

threatmatrix · 30/09/2022 19:21

SLM101 · 30/09/2022 19:15

The Ritz is 80.plus. it must be a special.one with drink so enjoy x

The ritz is £67 without bubbles. Just been.