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Open garden cream teas, how much should I charge?

(66 Posts)
Sago Thu 30-Jun-22 09:01:11

On Sunday we are opening our garden for a local open gardens event.

We have done this in previous years but have had a 4 year break due to Covid and a nasty committee (ex) member.

We serve homemade cream teas, coffee, cakes, cordial etc.
I have 150 scones I have made sitting in the freezer!

In previous years 2 scones with cream and jam was £2.50, tea,coffee or juice, £1 and cake £2.

Everything is served on China with tea pots, cafetières,milk and sugar etc, no disposables.

Do you think £3 for the scones is too much or should I keep the prices as they are and put a jar for tips out?

All proceeds are for the local hospice.

Joseanne Fri 01-Jul-22 07:23:24

At school we sell cakes for £1 a piece and that's without a drink or nice china or a table to sit at.
Good luck, I hope it goes well.

Jaxjacky Fri 01-Jul-22 07:45:50

I hope the sun shines and it’s a very successful day Sago.

MissAdventure Fri 01-Jul-22 08:27:08

It all sounds beautiful. smile
I hope it's a roaring success.

sweetcakes Fri 01-Jul-22 09:25:35

Soooo that's per person £3.00 for scones jam and cream + £1.00 for a drink = £4.00 = a bargain and on China no less. I think it's great and if I lived nearer I would be there in a shot. Well done you ??

EmilyHarburn Fri 01-Jul-22 13:22:23

We do open garden and husband makes the scone with a 6.5 cm diamter ring. We cut these in half, butter, jam, wipcream and add a half straberryon each half. Put both halves on a plate for £2.50 and then £1 for tea or coffee with free refils. Juice, Squash etc at 50 p. I have some gluten free biscuits from Aldi which i can dress up for people who ask for gluten free.

Oldbat1 Fri 01-Jul-22 13:39:31

I would expect to pay £5 if not more. Good luck. I hope the weather is kind.

MissAdventure Fri 01-Jul-22 14:03:28

I think £5.50, at least.
It's not just the food, it's being able to soak up the atmosphere.

Seajaye Fri 01-Jul-22 17:22:48

I enjoy open gardens. I have been to a few recently and paid admission price of between £ 5 - 7 for the opportunity to see 12 -30 gardens. I rarely manage to see them all each year.
Based on what I have paid you add 50p to all you prices you will be more or the same I have paid in Suffolk. If you are in a bigger city you can probably add £1.00 to each price. A lot of the visitors will be pensioners of differing means. But also put a donation tin out as well for those who wish to give more.

LovelyLady Fri 01-Jul-22 20:14:37

I just think it should be affordable and some will not come if it’s costing too much. We’re in a huge recession. The PM doesn’t call it that but a rose by any name …..

hilz Fri 01-Jul-22 20:38:10

I presume there is an entrance fee. If you are a stand alone garden then Charge £4.50 for a cream tea including one drink.
Tea or coffee £2
Slice of cake or buttered scone £2
If its part of a garden trail where the fee covers entry to several gardens I would charge more as it sounds like you put a lot into your presentation and it is for charity after all. Good luck. Its just a shame we dont know where you are!

Sago Sun 03-Jul-22 22:40:36

OP here Thank you all for your input.
Our garden raised £480 today!
We had a great time albeit exhausting.
Many cakes,teas and coffees have been served.
We finished the day with a team tea of lasagne, wine,wine and more wine.
Here’s a pic for you, our garden is long with lots of seating areas, the picture is the view from the kitchen.

Sago Sun 03-Jul-22 22:42:57

Here’s a pic of the pricing, we know it was cheap but the tips jar was full!

Esspee Sun 03-Jul-22 22:46:53

Well done. Put your feet up tomorrow.

MissAdventure Sun 03-Jul-22 22:49:15

It all looks lovely! smile

LOUISA1523 Sun 03-Jul-22 22:57:10

I went to an open garden yesterday....it was £3 for tea and a cake