UK Christmas market savaged by visitors over ‘rip off’ prices and one drink rule

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has drawn criticism from attendees for its sky-high prices on its opening day, with accusations of the event being a “rip-off”.

Visitors were shocked to find that a two-pint ‘stein’ of Hofbrau German wheat beer had reached an eye-watering £12.50, while a half-metre Bratwurst sausage tipped the scale at £9, and a bag of roasted almonds set them back £4.50.

Furthermore, a new regulation limiting customers to purchasing just one drink per visit to the bar has stirred discontent, especially given the long queues.

The price surge and restrictive rules have led some to vow to shun the market this year, despite it being acknowledged as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria.

Regular attendee John Beard, a 35-year-old local worker, has declared he’ll be skipping the event for the first time in a decade due to the stringent alcohol policy, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He expressed his frustration: “This will be the first time in ten years I’m not going to bother.”

He lambasted both the exorbitant costs and the singular beer rule: “It’s a combination of the rip-off prices and that one beer rule is just daft. You can queue for half hour there easily so sometimes you want to double up.”

Challenging the rationale behind the restrictions, he added: “It’s a measure to stop people getting drunk, but where’s the fun in that at Christmas? If people want to get merry, let them. There’s never any trouble up there.”

He further criticised the overall value of the market experience: “For what it costs, it’s really not worth it because it’s absolutely rammed and you’re just standing about in the cold essentially. The stalls are the same each year too.”

Highlighting the financial pressures faced by many, Beard concluded: “People are watching the pennies more than ever and don’t want to spend nearly a tenner on a sausage. You can blow about £50 in ten minutes.”

Social media users have been vocal about their disappointment with the Birmingham Christmas Markets. John Coles voiced his opinion: “Was good when it first started now going down hill rapidly.”

Jeanette Bennison expressed her thoughts, saying: “I’ve visited a couple of times years ago and I didn’t think much of it prices were high then a rip off and stalls selling the same stuff all the way round.”

Trevor Smith shared his experience: “The last time I went there I got a hot dog and coffee cost me 15 quid I said to the bloke what part of Germany you from he said Tipton.”

Emma Jane described the event: “Absolutely rip off its moody and rough up there now not safe at all.”

Dave Gwilt’s stance was firm: “Same old tat year after year, and the added bonus of getting your pockets picked, erm I’ll give it a swerve thanks.”

While attendees at last year’s Birmingham Christmas Markets could buy rounds of drinks, staff insisted on seeing each beer passed directly to individuals to confirm they were of drinking age.

Prices surged, with a regular bratwurst and full pint of beer reaching an unprecedented £13.50, up by 50p from the previous event in 2023, despite holding steady the year prior. However, some items maintained their price tags: a half-pint of beer remained at £4.50, boozy hot chocolate at £7, garlic bread still £4, and crepes starting at £4.50.

Amidst these complaints, Birmingham took the title of the UKs top Christmas market for 2023 and secured eighth place across Europe.

Enthusiastic visitors are pledging their loyalty to the “amazing” Birmingham Christmas Market, undeterred by the prices. Tony Jones, a Brummie, expressed his adoration: “I think it’s amazing, it’s the best time of the year and it’s really entertaining. It’s once a year and I come every year. I love it, I do.”

He also noted the jovial mood, saying, “Everybody is really happy, it’s a great atmosphere.”

His partner, Chloe Flynn, acknowledged the costliness of the beverages but pointed out a perk: “It is expensive for the beers, but because it’s German beer you don’t even need that many to get drunk.”

Market-goer Stan Felton chimed in with his take on the market’s one drink policy: “I think the one drink rule is OK. You can only drink one thing at a time.”

He elaborated with an analogy: “It’s like one wife, one car, one home – you don’t need more than one thing at a time sometimes.”

On the topic of queues, he added: “Some people they don’t want to queue but they have to understand waiting is important. It’s about being patient and having compassion.”

The festive event takes place from 1 November until 24 December, transforming Victoria Square and New Street into a winter wonderland.

For those planning a visit, here’s what to expect for your pounds at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024:.

Here’s a list of the food and drink prices at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024:

– Double pint of beer: £12.50

– Pint of beer: £7

– Half-pint of beer: £4.50

– Wheat beer: £6.50

– Shandy pint: £7

– Alcohol-free beer: £7

– Gluhwein: £6.50

– Aperol Spritz: £7.50

– Prosecco: £6

– Hot chocolate with Baileys: £7

– Bratwurst: £6.50

– Half-metre-long bratwurst: £9

– Frankfurt sausage: £5.50

– Currywurst: £7

– Vegan bratwurst: £6.50

– Burger: £5

– Pork steak: £7

– Chips: £4

– Garlic bread: £4

– Falafel wrap: £6

– Pretzels: £4

– Crepes: £4.50Roasted almonds (per 100g) – £4.50

Churros – £4.50

The organisers of Birmingham Christmas Market were contacted for a statement by the Manchester Evening News, but they did not provide any response.