Three words that are going to get the attention of any Domestic Slut: Champagne for Life. In a sea of post-lunch emails this stood out like a tipsy, hiccuping beacon. Because even on a Monday afternoon I think a glass of bubbly would be rather a nice way to end the day. Despite the shocking hangover it gives me, I do enjoy a glass of bubbly.Let's get this out of the way first: a Champagne for Life card will set you back £500. This isn't cheap and I'm not going to pretend it is. But once you're paid up, you've then got a choice of venues that are signed up to the scheme and you just flash your drunken lush membership card to get your free glass of bubbly. A bit of rough maths (the only time maths has ever been fun) tells me that given that a glass of bubbly in a London bar is around a tenner so you'll have paid for the card after around 50 bar visits. Suffice to say I go out
And then there's the wonderful thing called the 'ladies agreement' - The ladies agreement is to at least purchase another equivalent drink and/or bring paying non card friends to the bar with you. Abuse of the card/privilege will result in the card being withheld by the manager of the bar. This will ensure a long and happy partnership for all.
I rather like this. Because while it does mean that you can bar hop if you fancy moving on elsewhere (and some great bars like Zenna and Kettners have signed up already), you have to bar hop with a little bit of class. Running around getting drunk on your own isn't cool.
I don't have a spare £500 in my bank account. I'm also torn between wanting the scheme to stay exclusive and wanting more venues on the list - right now it only works if you live in a city, but it would rapidly lose its charm if JD Wetherspoons signed up. Basically, while I couldn't justify the cost for myself, even though I know it's a good deal over the next thirty years of drinking, I'd really quite like to get a Champagne for Life card as a present. Yeah, that would be pretty amazing.
On a related note, my birthday is next month.
Flickr image from Roanish's photostream.
"nd then there's the wonderful thing called the 'ladies agreement' - The ladies agreement is to at least purchase another equivalent drink and/or bring paying non card friends to the bar with you. Abuse of the card/privilege will result in the card being withheld by the manager of the bar."
ReplyDeleteHow is this a wonderful thing? So you pay £500 for this card, but if you try to get your money's worth you're required to provide another £500 or so of sales or they'll say you're abusing the 'privilege'?
Well it's meant to be champagne for life, Anon. It's not about 'getting your moneys worth' by drinking as much as possible. As I wrote, the card would pay for itself after 50 trips. An investment (and not one I think I could make), but potentially a worthwhile one if you're out in bars a lot.
ReplyDeleteIts a complete joke. I tried to use my card in Beaufort House, where I was told it is no longer accepted, and then in Eclipse with some friends who sniggered at me when I was flatly refused.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have spent my £500 on a decent case of pink bubbles ... although I do accept I was given this one for free (as have several other friends).
I am very sorry to hear this occured at Eclipse and would like to resolve it immediately. Please could you email me [email protected] and I will arrange an evening for you and a guest with a complimentary bottle of champagne.Kind regards, Martyn.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeletePlease let me know when you would like to come in and use your card.
Our mistake and apologies for the embarrassment caused.
Simon - 020 7352 2828
Director @ Beaufort House
Hopefully those glitches get sorted, Anon!
ReplyDelete