Bringing your own bottle of wine to a restaurant can be a great way to enjoy your favourite vintage while keeping costs down, but it often comes with an added charge known as a corkage fee. In the UK, corkage fees can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant, location, and the policies in place. Whether you’re dining at a high-end London eatery or a cosy countryside pub, understanding how much corkage fee to expect can help you plan your evening and your budget more effectively. This guide will explore the typical range of corkage fees in the UK, what influences them, and how to approach restaurants that allow BYO (Bring Your Own).
What Is a Corkage Fee?
A corkage fee is a charge applied by a restaurant when you bring your own bottle of wine, champagne, or other alcohol instead of purchasing from the establishment’s drink menu. This fee compensates the restaurant for providing the service, glassware, and staff time involved in serving your bottle. It’s also a way for restaurants to recoup the lost income from alcohol sales, which are often a key part of their profit margins.
Typical Corkage Fees in the UK
There is no universal rate for corkage in the UK, and fees can range from as little as £5 to £50 or more per bottle. On average, most restaurants that offer a BYO option will charge between £10 and £25 per bottle.
General Price Ranges
- Budget-friendly or casual restaurants: £5 – £10 per bottle
- Mid-range restaurants: £10 – £20 per bottle
- High-end or fine dining establishments: £25 – £50+ per bottle
Some restaurants offer free corkage on specific days to attract customers during quieter periods, usually midweek. Others may charge more for sparkling wines or spirits compared to still wines. It’s always best to check in advance to avoid surprises.
Why Do Restaurants Charge Corkage?
Restaurants in the UK often rely heavily on drink sales for profit, and allowing customers to bring their own alcohol cuts into that revenue. The corkage fee helps offset this by covering:
- Loss of profit from not selling in-house alcohol
- Service provided by the staff to open and pour the bottle
- Use of glassware and washing up afterwards
- Maintaining the overall dining experience at a standard level
In many cases, the corkage fee is not designed to discourage guests but rather to strike a balance between hospitality and business needs.
When Is Corkage Worth Paying?
Paying a corkage fee makes sense in several scenarios. For instance, if you have a special bottle of wine for an anniversary or birthday, or if you prefer wines not available on the restaurant’s list, corkage can be a valuable option. It can also save money if you already own a bottle that would cost significantly more if bought at the restaurant.
For example, if your bottle costs £15 at a shop and the equivalent wine on the menu is £40, even after a £15 corkage fee, you’re still saving money. However, if the corkage is close to or higher than the wine list prices, it might not be worth it.
How to Know If a Restaurant Allows BYO
Not all restaurants in the UK accept BYO, and some only do so under certain conditions. To find out:
- Check the restaurant’s website or FAQ section
- Look at online reviews or forums for mentions of BYO and corkage
- Call or email the restaurant directly to ask
Always confirm the corkage fee ahead of your visit. Some restaurants may also have policies about the number of bottles allowed or whether corkage applies to all types of alcohol.
How to Approach BYO at a Restaurant
If you’re planning to bring your own bottle, it’s important to do so respectfully and in line with the restaurant’s policy. Here are a few etiquette tips:
- Bring a bottle that is not already on the restaurant’s wine list
- Let the staff know in advance if you plan to bring your own
- Offer a taste to the sommelier or server if appropriate
- Don’t assume corkage is allowed unless confirmed
Following these practices shows respect for the establishment and helps ensure a smooth dining experience.
Free Corkage Nights and Promotions
Some restaurants in the UK run promotions such as ‘free corkage Wednesdays’ or ‘BYO Mondays’ to attract more diners during slower evenings. These nights can be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy your own wine without the added cost. Check local listings or the social media pages of your favourite eateries to spot these offers.
Examples of Common Promotions
- Free corkage on certain days
- Reduced corkage fees for lunch service
- Waived corkage if you order a certain number of courses
Corkage Fees for Private Events or Weddings
For private events or weddings held at restaurants or venues in the UK, corkage fees are often negotiated as part of the overall package. These fees can range from £5 to £20 per bottle or even more depending on the scale of the event. In some cases, a per-person fee may be applied instead of a per-bottle rate.
Always discuss corkage in detail with the venue to understand exactly what is included some may also charge corkage for soft drinks or mixers if you’re providing your own bar stock.
Alternatives to Paying Corkage
If you’d prefer not to pay corkage, consider these alternatives:
- Choose a restaurant with a reasonably priced wine list
- Look for places that include wine in their prix fixe menu
- Visit wine bars where you can buy a bottle and enjoy it on-site without extra charges
In some areas, especially outside London, many independent restaurants offer excellent house wines at good value, making corkage less necessary.
The cost of corkage in the UK varies from as little as £5 to over £50 depending on the venue, type of alcohol, and occasion. While not every restaurant allows BYO, those that do usually list their corkage fee clearly or will inform you upon inquiry. For wine lovers and special occasions, corkage can be a worthwhile fee especially if it lets you enjoy a favourite bottle that isn’t available on the menu. Always confirm ahead, follow proper etiquette, and compare costs to ensure the best value and experience when dining out.