Forum Topic

More money than sense.

See our local aristocrat has managed to make a bob or two out of the lifting of the severe pandemic restrictions. Pods have appeared on the lawn in front of Syon House, but before you get too excited this is the price list. On offer is afternoon tea and early and late dining. You get 90 minutes, early dining £300, late dining £350 plus 12.5% service charge, tea and coffee extra. Enjoy!

Vanessa Smith ● 1585d8 Comments

We went to Syon gardens for a lovely picnic with grandchildren this afternoon. Cost £10 for 5 (my wife has a season ticket allowing guests)? We were amused by the ranks of pods in front of the main house. Photo at https://www.flickr.com/photos/chericbaker/51123898078/in/album-72157717772840847/ Neither of us has been attracted by the idea of pods that have to remain 50% open to uncertain elements, with Eventim catering (is that fine dining?), big evening minimum pod spends, scary cancellation charges (you could be charged £35 each for being 16 minutes late!) and mystery priceless wine lists - to be revealed after arrival. And the food etc has to be brought from a long way away - cool expensive food anyone? They are well distanced but I don't see any positives other than it being different. In the past few days we've been enjoying getting out again and had delightful lunch/brunch experiences at The Black Dog and Rye by the Water.

Eric Baker ● 1575d

I could see heaters in the pods I was near. I am wondering whether there have been (m)any takers. Perhaps I'll take a ride down on my bike one evening.

Anne England ● 1577d

Yes sure they need the lighting but most essential, heating - far too cold at the moment.

Jennifer selig ● 1577d

Does anybody know how this is going? I was up close to the pods (i.e. inside the gates) yesterday at 4.00p.m. and there was nothing going on - the opening date was 12 April. Whatever else I may or may not think about it, I can't see that there would be any atmosphere at all other than perhaps in the evening with coloured lighting.

Anne England ● 1578d

Obviously this for a very special event - a mini celebratory party lunch or dinner in a unique setting.  The  pods do look very attractive and must cost a considerable amount to construct, light, presumably heat or cool and for extra staff to prepare, cook and deliver exquisite (hopefully) meals to the diners in the pods.  Not sure how many tables an individual pod holds and whether the minimum spend of £350 is per pod or per table, certainly not per person!  This is a luxury top of the range treat, not a quick burger and chips meal so rightly expect to pay for it!

Jennifer selig ● 1583d

Sample menus available at https://diningdomes.group/syon-house/

Tim Henderson ● 1584d

Half a pint of lager and a packet of crisps perhaps?

Vanessa Smith ● 1585d

Is that for a McDonald's takeaway?

Susan Kelly ● 1585d