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| This is a real pet subject of mine. How often do you go to a restaurant and see either outrageous markups or a selection of wines you have never heard of, thereby making price comparisons difficult? Punters get a raw deal eating out, and here's why. Firstly, in the UK, food is subsidised by drinkers. As consumers, we get shirty when asked to pay more than £10 for a main course. The owner has no option but to try and make money off the drink. Secondly, primitive accounting & marketing techniques mean that the markup gets worse the higher the price, usually because of a consistent markup %. A sure-fire deterrent from trying fine wine with food. | What's the solution? Well, some rejigging of things are easily possible. Firstly, I accept the fact that it will take a while to see food prices reach their real level. It's a brave owner who strikes out on their own. However, there should be an upfront, communicated policy of stating a reduced markup. Tellthe public that the best bargains are at the top end. Show that there is a cap on markups - say, £15 on any wine. People will "trade up", the wine till counterpoint the food so much better, and everyone's a winner. diners dont feel short-changed and will likely return. Restaurants get repeat business, and a good reputation. If that doesnt work, I am working on a "name & shame" list of restaurants in the Manchester area. watch this space! | |||||||
| 43 Valley Road Glossop Derbyshire SK13 6YN Tel:07753 740834 Fax:N/A Email:Ray@Abercrombywine.com Copyright © 2008 | |||||||||
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