Prices are growing too – £105 for vintage bottle of champagne
GUESTS were treated to a garden designed by the Duchess of Cambridge, an authentic Yorkshire canal with a working lock and even nude models in floral body paint.
But another aspect of the Chelsea Flower Show astonished enthusiasts even more – the extortionate prices for champagne, Pimm’s and other refreshments.
A 125ml glass of Fortnum and Mason Rose cost £18 at the event’s bars, while a glass of champagne was a hefty £15.
A 750ml bottle of Fortnum and Mason Brut – which retails at less than £30 a bottle – was being sold for £85, while thirsty punters were expected to pay £105 for a bottle of vintage 2012 champagne which is usually on sale in shops for less than £50.
The Royal Horticultural Society bars also charged £7.80 for a half-pint glass of Pimm’s, and £29.50 for a pitcher, while a cup of tea and a sandwich cost £7.50.
Valerie Johnson, 58, from Birmingham, paid more than £70 for a day ticket to yesterday’s event, which she attended with a friend.
‘The drinks are rather expensive, especially when you are more than £70 poorer just to get inside,’ the former teacher said.
‘I can’t remember how much it was last year but I’m certain the price has crept up. Though it is to be expected I suppose, given the event and where we are. They must be making a fortune for this stuff; perhaps I’ll sneak my own booze in next year.’
Daniel Howard, 68, travelled to London from Exeter for the show.
‘I’ve bought us a jug of Pimm’s and have begrudgingly paid the prices because we want to have a lovely time but the mark-up is quite astonishing,’ he said.
A spokesman from the Royal Horticultural Society said: ‘With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show not being a fixed site, the show is built from scratch where associated costs inevitably result.
‘There is a wide range of catering options across the show and we welcome our guests to bring their own picnics.’