Anyone who has lived in a major city knows the charm of gathering spare change with friends to share a single dish at an upscale restaurant, just to soak in the ambiance. However, this nostalgic experience is fading as more London restaurants adopt a new trend: minimum spend requirements.
The Rise of Minimum Spend Policies in London
Concerned about rising operational costs, last-minute cancellations, and no-shows, high-end restaurants in London are enforcing a minimum spend per head. This trend gained attention when Michelin-starred restaurant Gymkhana announced a £100 (€121) minimum spend per guest.
Gymkhana isn’t alone—other renowned restaurants have followed suit:
- Chutney Mary requires a £60 (€73) minimum spend.
- Hutong at The Shard demands at least £80 (€97) per guest.
- The most expensive minimum spend? The Araki, a prestigious sushi restaurant in Mayfair, which charges a staggering £300 (€364) per diner.
Paying a Deposit Just to Book
Beyond minimum spends, many London restaurants now require advance deposits for reservations. Some establishments charge £20 (€24) per guest upfront, a practice also common in New York City and other major metropolitan areas.
According to Financial Times, Gymkhana explained that the move is partly due to a surge in reservation bots and scalpers reselling tables at sought-after locations. The practice of booking multiple restaurants and canceling last-minute has also led to financial strain on eateries.
The Impact on the Dining Experience
While fine dining spots may find minimum spends a reliable income stream, many argue that this excludes casual diners and disrupts the intimate restaurant experience.
“There’s no desire to gouge the guests,” said Matt Tucker, CEO of Tock, a restaurant booking platform. “This is just saying, ‘we are making a contract between the two of us that you’re going to show up and I’m going to provide you the best meal, the best service’.”
However, critics fear that such policies may make restaurants feel more transactional, taking away the charm of local eateries that thrive on repeat customers.
Will Minimum Spends Become the New Norm?
While luxury restaurants in big cities may benefit, neighborhood bistros and casual dining spots may struggle to implement such measures. The key question remains: Will customers accept these changes, or will they push back against the growing trend?
Would you pay a minimum spend to dine at a high-end restaurant? Let us know in the comments!
