To think £45 for a friend’s birthday lunch is a bit much?

[squalifalia]

Friend invited us to her birthday lunch. We live about 90 minutes away. She is probably the only ‘influencer’ I know in real life.

I asked her what the birthday party was, and she just said lunch at 2pm. I didn’t think much more about it, and said we’d come. I assumed it’d be lunch in a pub.

Turns out she had hired a marquee at a posh pub. I got sent the menu to pre-order from. It’s three courses and £45 without drinks. I’ve been to the pub before and it was shite and a pint was over £7. So if I split a bottle of wine or get a glass with a friend, I’ll be looking near £60. Plus I have to pay for my transport there.

If you don't fancy it then don't go?

You have had the price up front.

If you don’t like it then don’t go…

Yup don't go, wtaf is an 'influencer' please don't answer actually I don't think I really want to know...

Influencer - does that mean there will be photos of everything on her FB/TikTok and its all done for show and everyone will be having a fab time, babes.

Shoot me now.

She’s given you the cost and venue upfront, you’re now able to decline if you can’t afford it or don’t like the restaurant. Just say you’ll join at the end of the meal for a couple of drinks. But £45 seems pretty reasonable for a three course lunch at a fairly nice pub or restaurant: a main course alone at the gastropubs I’ve eaten in recently in places in various parts of the UK have been at the £20-25 mark. I don’t think the cost has anything to do with her being an “influencer.”

I mean, it wouldn't be too much for me but if it's too much for you, don't go? It was nice of her to invite you. It's what she wants to do for her birthday. so if you like her and want to celebrate with her, go. Not really seeing the dilemma

£45 for a three course meal is OK if it's nice pub (but you said it was posh and shit).

Just go if you want to and don't go if you don't want to.

Couldn't you just have a main? surely you don't have to have the three courses? or just don't go

So don't go then. Simples!

Personally, would never eat 3 courses so I’d decline as it’s a waste for me.

But at least she’s told you upfront giving you enough to decide whether to go or not.

Find out if you can just have one course, who really eats 3 courses for lunch?! But honestly if it’s not going to be worth it then just decline.

Of course it's a fancy meal in a marquee. You're paying to give her 'content' for her followers.

You mean you pay for your own meal??? Give it a miss.

What does her being an influencer have to go with it?

£45 for three courses sounds ok to me but if you don’t like the venue or don’t have the budget just don’t go, she’s been very open with the costs I don’t see the issue.

That seems reasonable for a 3 course lunch in a nice place.

Oh here we go with the weird concept that you should pay for everyone’s meal if it’s your birthday, nobody irl ever does this.

“I’ve been to the pub before and it was shite and a pint was over £7.”

^No I wouldn’t go then. You’ve been before and thought the food was crap.

Imthink its fair enough to ask a few friends to join you for a borthday meal. But giving out invitations and then demands for £45. Not on.

Why all the exclamation marks?

I can't see any "demands"? OP has been invited to a birthday do. She's free to decline.

Question marks, I think!!

Why? She wants to go to that pub for her birthday. People either join her or not but there's nothing wrong with the suggestion

Omg. People like this...if you're moaning about the price before you even get there you just shouldn't go 🙄. Cba with people who see where an event is and how much it is and still decide to turn up then whinge about having to pay their way. Just politely decline.

Yeah, those!😅

The influencer is a red herring (and designed to make PP agree with you).

If you like her and want to go, go. If you dont, dont?

These are the type of articles that end up in the daily mail.