Insight
UNCORKED
The cost of wine when you bring your own
From 10,000 baht per bottle to zero, what Bangkok restaurants charge for corkage
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NTIMIDATED by the long wine lists presented in most of Bangkok’s restaurants, or even worried about the cost? Then bring your bottle of wine. Most Bangkok restaurants allow customers to forgo their in-house wine cellars and open bottles they’ve brought from home. But there is a price to pay. The corkage price can vary enormously, from an eye-watering 10,000 baht per bottle
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TheBigChilli
at Mezzaluna, which was recently awarded two Michelin stars, to free. However, the majority of restaurants charge between 500 and 1,000 baht per bottle. Some restaurants do not charge corkage at all. Among them is the fivestar Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, which has delighted its customers by dropping corkage in all of its outlets, even though they all stock an extensive range of wines of their own, which are also available to diners. Sensi, however, has a different policy, charging
600 baht per bottle, half of which goes to a local charity. It’s no secret that most restaurants are flexible on corkage, reducing or even dropping fees for regular customers. A friendly word with the manager or owner can prove very useful. The BigChilli survey here includes corkage usually charged on wine, as well as on whisky and champagne is certain cases. VAT and service are often added on top.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Corkage: No corkage fee Venue: Bar@494 is a hidden gem in the city centre, small and classy and stocks some of the best wines in Bangkok the bar also offers international a la carte dishes 02 254 1234. bangkok. grand.hyatt.com/bangkok/ grandhyatt May Veggie Home Corkage: No corkage fee Venue: 100 percent vegan cuisine restaurant in central Bangkok 089 042 7215. www.mayveggiehome.com