What is Bar/Restaurant Minimum Spend and How Does it Work?
When planning an event or party you may have come across the term ‘minimum spend’. If you don’t know what it means, don’t worry about it – we know this game – just check this out.
Here’s how the minimum spend works
Let’s say your birthday is coming up. You, your family and friends are planning to celebrate this special day together. The next step is to find that perfect venue to make it an unforgettable event. Using the power of minimum spend you could get your dream venue for cheaper than you’d expect.
Set the scene, it’s your birthday, the tables are set, the buffet is in place, the balloons are inflated and the candles are about to be lit. And in a venue which you thought you could never afford, It’s a birthday present in itself! Can you hear the Happy birthday already? We do!
‘Minimum spend’ gives you this possibility and it’s probably easier than you think. If your venue has a minimum spend of £1,000 and you invite 50 people and each one of your guests spends 20 pounds on a few drinks and some snacks over the night, then your costs are zero, nada, zilch. Yep, you got it right, and if you don’t quite make it there, you can top it up yourself at the end.
Minimum spend basically means that all you have to do is to invite your guests and make sure they will spend a certain amount of money at the bar.
This way you actually party for free with the best people around you in one of the hottest venues for hire in town. So, let’s have some fun!
So how do I hire a minimum spend venue?
Choosing the right venue can make or break your party, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a tedious amount of time looking for it. Our platform makes venue hire easy and fast, all you need to do is access the website and pick the city in which you want to organise your event. You can search for spaces that offer a minimum spend pricing option by selecting ‘Minimum spend’ as your event type.
Additionally, you can indicate the number of guests you’re expecting and your ideal budget, which will make the search results even more precise. Browse through the selection of rooms and our page and after finding the minimum spend venues that fit all your requirements you can proceed with the booking. Yes, it is that simple!
Need more inspiration when it comes to picking the right venue for your party?
Whether you are planning your event in London, Manchester or Birmingham, there are many lovely to choose from… to a point when you might feel spoilt for choice! Picking the perfect venue may seem like a difficult task, but we are here to lend you a helping hand.
Our top picks for minimum spend venues in London:
SAMA Bankside
This industrial-style venue offers a selection of rooms for you to pick from. Enjoy your night talking in a private booth or on one of the chesterfield sofas with a drink in hand. Whether you just came for beers and cocktails or for a full course meal, SAMA Bankside can accommodate your every wish.
Lost Society
Lost Society is a chic space perfect for a small dinner or a big night out. You can hire a lounge with your own bar or book the veranda area for a party under the stars. One thing is for sure – you will celebrate in style!
Our Top Picks for Minimum Spend Venues in Manchester:
The Fitzgerald
The Fitzgerald is a quaint drinking den, offering you a unique setting in the heart of Manchester. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar will make any party an unforgettable experience.
Lost Weekend Basement Bar
Lost Weekend Basement Bar is a unique space perfect for pool enthusiasts or if you’re looking to party in an unusual way. What sounds better than beer and some friendly competition?
Our Top Picks for Minimum Spend Venues in Birmingham:
The Distillery
This gin distillery is perfectly situated on the Birmingham Canal, offering incredible views as well as spirits. If you are looking to enjoy a meal and a drink in a space with a charming ambience, this is a spot for you.
To Wrap This Up
Understanding minimum spend can guide you to hire fantastic venues at very reasonable rates. It’s a win-win situation where the establishment, such as a bar or a restaurant, covers its costs, and you get the most value for your money. You get a venue and sometimes even entertainment, all for the price of the food and drinks that you order and pay for.
Embracing this concept can open doors to amazing events and experiences without breaking the bank. So, as you plan your next get-together or event, remember that a minimum spend could be your secret weapon for an incredible, value-packed occasion!
What does a minimum spend at a restaurant mean?
To put it simply, it refers to the minimum amount of money you need to spend on food and drinks during your event. It’s not an additional fee or charge, but rather an assurance for the restaurant that they can cover their costs while providing you with a great experience.
For example, if the minimum spend is £100, this means that you need to spend at least £100 on delicious food and refreshing drinks during your time in the venue.
So, next time you come across a minimum spend requirement, embrace it as an opportunity to treat yourself and your companions to a memorable dining experience. Explore the menu, indulge in culinary delights, and create lasting memories in a warm and inviting restaurant setting.
Do all venues offer a minimum spend option?
Not all venues offer a minimum spend option. It is mainly offered in venues like restaurants, bars, or event spaces that offer in-house catering/bar. But each venue has its own policies and may or may not have a minimum spend option, so we highly suggest checking out the offer and contacting the venue manager to confirm that such an option is available.
What should I consider before booking a venue with a minimum spend?
Here are some key points to consider when booking a venue with a minimum spend:
→Your budget – Evaluate your budget to determine if the minimum spend aligns with your financial capabilities. Make sure you’re comfortable with the specified amount that the venue you’ve picked offers and that it fits within your overall event or dining budget.
→The size of the event – Consider the number of guests you plan to invite to roughly calculate how much you will pay for the event. A guest list will also help you determine if the venue can accommodate your group comfortably and that the minimum spend requirement is realistic based on the number of attendees.
→Menu and Pricing – Take a close look at the venue’s menu and pricing. Check if their offerings align with your preferences and if the prices are reasonable. Also, make sure that there is a variety of options to cater to different dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests.
→Time Restrictions – Understand any time restrictions associated with the minimum spend. Some venues may have specific time slots or limitations during peak hours or busy periods. Make sure these restrictions work with your event schedule.
→Contract and Terms – Review the venue’s contract and its terms and conditions carefully. Pay attention to any penalties or charges associated with not meeting the minimum spend requirement. Understand the cancellation policy, payment terms, and any additional fees that may apply.
→Communication – Clear and open communication with the venue’s staff and manager is key to hosting a successful event. Discuss your requirements, clarify any doubts, and ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of expectations.
→Reviews and Recommendations – Research online reviews and seek recommendations from others who have previously booked the venue. This can provide valuable insights into the venue’s reputation, service quality, and overall customer experience.
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