People have slammed prices at a popular festive market as ‘a complete rip off’ as shoppers see prices soar – but some were quick to defend the sky-high prices
Furious shoppers have raged at the prices at one of the UK’s most popular festive markets – where a pint will set you back more than six quid. Huge crowds were drawn to more than 274 stalls feature at Manchester’s Christmas market’s opening weekend.
But some visitors slammed the price lists at the stalls after having to fork out more money than ever before, with a rise of around 50p to £1 on most drinks.
And some of the independent food stalls were hiking prices by as much as £2 on some items returning from last year, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Lager is up by 50p on most stalls at £6.50 a pint, while mulled wine can cost anywhere from £5.50 to £6.50 depending on the stall – up by £1 on last year at the priciest rate.
Glasses of prosecco have risen from £6 last year to between £6.50 and £7 depending on the stall, while cocktails have gone up from £8.50 to £9.50.
German bratwurst sausages – one of the markets’ most signature dishes – remained steady in price on last year staying at £8. But larger sausages and currywurst will set you back from £9 to £9.50 depending on the stall you visit.
The cost of German beers at traditional Bavarian bars has also stayed the same as last year, ranging from £6 to £6.50. But independent food stalls have seen some of the most significant price hikes.
Eat Greek gyros are up by £1 this year, costing £11, Yard and Coop’s popular fried chicken trays have increased by £2 from last year, now priced at £13, and Pasta Claus’s Italian dishes have risen by £2 – £3 since last year.
Mr Crimble’s Crumble, a huge hit last year, has raised the price of their sweet treats from £7 to £8. Loaded Amsterdam fries have also seen a price increase of £1 – £2, with Manc Poutine now costing £11, up from £10, and beef brisket fries now priced at £13, up from £11.
One social media user fumed: “Over priced for what it is. You must have more money than sense to buy anything from them markets. Instead of standing outside cold, you could go to a nice restaurant for them prices!”
Local Councillor Pat Karney, dubbed Manchester’s “Mr Christmas”, said the council has urged stallholders this year to keep prices reasonable.
He said: “We all know when we go shopping prices are a nightmare for all of us, but we have said to the traders, if you put your prices up too much you won’t sell anything, so hopefully they will listen to us. We’ve spoken to the traders about it.”
“I would add that the Christmas celebrations in Manchester are bigger than anywhere else in the country. The Market staff they have worked really hard this year and you can see the quality. It’s some of the best in the world here.”
Stallholders said that given spiralling costs impacting them this year they had no option but to increase prices. Gareth Kitching, who charges £8 for a sausage and £9 for hot pork rolls, said: “Wages and prices have gone up. And for some stalls the price of products will have gone up as well.
“You have to think is £8 for meat in a sandwich all that expensive really? And beer at £6.50 a pint – when you’re paying £8 – to £9 for a pint at arenas nowadays so you do have to keep things in perspective.”
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