A mum has revealed her shock after her daughter was charged almost £15 for a measly portion of pick ‘n’ mix.
Emma Gill went to the Manchester Christmas market this weekend and gave him a small bag of sweets.
But she was quickly shocked when she was charged £14.34 for a couple of handfuls of the sugary sweets.
“During a trip to the Manchester Christmas markets at the weekend, I allowed my daughter to purchase a selection of the treats on offer at the Kingdom of Sweets stall,” she said.
The northern city has hosted large Christmas markets including several sweet shops, the first at the lower end of Market Street and the second near Piccadilly Gardens.
Emma decided to please her daughter with a selection of sweets at the market and gave her free rein to select whatever sweets she wanted.
“I closely followed what I put inside the bag, as I am very aware of how the price can rise quickly,” he said.
However, she was “shocked” to discover the cost of the bag, which was filled with a couple of handfuls of treats.
As Christmas markets set up in major cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Newcastle and York, hundreds of revelers arrived to enjoy the Christmas delights.
Emma was ‘stunned’ to discover the cost of the bag, which was filled with a couple of handfuls of treats.
“But I was surprised to discover that what he got cost him a whopping £14.34,” he said.
“I didn’t want to ask him to return some once he put them in the bag and I should have realized that the sign advertising it costs £3.29 for 100g is a hell of a lot more than you’d normally pay.” sweets.”
“A 175g bag of Haribo, for example, costs £1.25 at Aldi or Tesco, which is 71p per 100g, about four times cheaper,” he said.
And it’s not just the sweets that have caught the attention of Christmas market customers, the price of sausages has also skyrocketed in the last year.
Visitors now pay £9.50 for the most expensive meat sausages on the market.
The Berlin currywurst at popular Witch House stall on New Cathedral Street has seen a £1.50 rise from last year’s £8, while you’ll also pay £9.50 for a giant pork wrap at Porky Pig in Exchange Square, an increase of £1. last year.
“A 175g bag of Haribo, for example, costs £1.25 at Aldi or Tesco, which is 71p per 100g, about four times cheaper,” he said.
Seasonal jingles, mulled wine and tasty German baked goods aren’t the only things Brits associate with Christmas markets. Increasingly, it’s the infuriating shoulder rubs, overly long lines and overpriced hot chocolates. Pictured: Winter wonderland
While sampling other market treats, Emma also picked up a stuffed roast pork sandwich, which cost £9 each from Porkys Bar & Grill.
“They were delicious and weren’t shy with the filling, but £18 still seemed a bit much for two barms,” Emma said.
As Christmas markets set up in major cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Newcastle and York, hundreds of revelers arrived to enjoy the Christmas delights.
However, many were disappointed to discover the exorbitant cost of the treats, with £12 beers, £14 mulled wine and £8 hot dogs.
Cllr Pat Karney, the council’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We are always happy to review any complaints brought to us, however we do not set prices on our market stalls.” Prices are set by the sellers themselves, who are ultimately subject to the same market forces as any other retailer: if what they sell is too expensive, people won’t buy their products.’
When prices at Kingdom of Sweets were highlighted previously, a spokesperson said: “Our prices are clearly displayed per 100g and are comparable to other premium location retailers.” Staff are trained to allow customers to abandon the purchase if their selection is too wide or to take something out to lower the price.’
It comes as dozens of market revelers have complained about the “outrageous” costs of festive goods, with some even going so far as to call it “hell”.
The situation further north is no better, as visitors from Manchester (pictured in promotional photo), Liverpool and York have also taken the opportunity to visit their cities’ markets.
It’s a stark contrast to the glamorous and stylish photos advertised by city councils that promise a whimsical winter wonderland that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
However, it is clear that crowded stalls and excessive food prices have turned disgruntled Brits into Grinches across the country.
In London, many took to social media to criticize Mayfair’s Novikov Christmas Market, organized by the chic restaurant of the same name.
It promises a daily champagne ice bar, caviar and oysters, and live music all night.
However, beyond the glitz and status, TikToker @franklyfahmida told her followers that “everyone is packed like sardines inside” as the DJ played “shitty music.”
‘Save £20. Skip the lines in the cold. Save yourself from being elbowed,” he urged.
Not everyone was so quick to judge, with many online arguing that the market, where artificial snow falls gently, is “very nice”, but you should go when it’s not too crowded, before it gets dark.
It’s a stark contrast to the glamorous and stylish photos advertised by city councils that promise a whimsical winter wonderland that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Elsewhere, many attacked the annual Winter Wonderland staging in the capital’s Hyde Park.
‘Experience unforgettable Christmas activities in London this winter at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!’ the website boasts. “From exciting festive rides and games to enchanting shows and delicious food and drink, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the magical six weeks between Thursday 21 November 2024 and Sunday 5 January 2025.”
Promotional content talks about ice skating and abundant holiday food, as well as the infamous lights known to be favorites of tourists in photographs.
However, online, it has been criticized not only for its prices (many complaining that £8 is too much for a hot dog), but also for the extremely long queues.
Elsewhere in Dublin, one person took to social media via @inireland8 to post photos against a stunning backdrop, featuring a towering Christmas tree and a brief segment of revelers enjoying some ice skating.
However, in the comments section of the video in question, other visitors complained about the inflated prices, with one complaining about a price of 14 euros for loaded fries.
Another frustrated customer posted: ‘Went yesterday and paid €16 for two small watered down paper cups of mulled wine.
“The prices weren’t posted anywhere and the line was long, so I didn’t even know the price until I placed the order.”
Residents of Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester have seen the cost of their annual trip to their local market soar this year in a decidedly unfestive continuation of the cost of living crisis.
Meanwhile, visitors to London’s Winter Wonderland have said the Hyde Park attraction, where a pint of beer can sell for up to £12, is now unaffordable.