Parliament Staff and Peers Enjoy 15,000 Pints of Subsidized San Miguel
Palace of Westminster Bars Serve Cheap Drinks and Snacks
According to recent data, peers and Parliament staff consumed nearly 15,000 pints of subsidized San Miguel within the past year. The bars and cafes situated around the Palace of Westminster offer reasonably priced drinks, meals, and snacks to individuals working within the premises. Pints of lager are priced between £4.35 and £4.70, significantly lower than the nearby pubs where the same beverages could cost up to £7 per pint.
Top Beverages Served Revealed in FOI List
San Miguel emerged as the most popular individual beverage among the top 100 list released under Freedom of Information laws. It was closely trailed by 14,615 lattes served at the upper chamber’s facilities. However, when considering all variations, traditional tea emerged as the highest-selling drink. A total of 22,179 servings of large cups and pots of tea were recorded across the House.
Other Popular Drinks Among Parliament Staff
Following traditional tea, herbal tea secured the third position with 13,535 cups sold. This was followed by Estrella lager (12,218), Espresso (12,180), and Gordon’s Gin (11,049) in terms of consumption among individuals within the parliamentary premises. Last year, concerns were raised when MPs expressed dissatisfaction with increased prices for subsidized food items, despite them being offered at reasonable rates compared to external establishments.
Price Comparisons and Public Reaction
For instance, the cost of a bowl of soup increased from 94p to £1.05, while lamb-topped jacket potatoes rose from £2.79 to £3.30. In contrast, a standard soup at Pret a Manger is priced at £3.50, whereas a cheese jacket at a Tesco cafe costs £4.95. Complaints regarding meals were documented in a list of grievances within the parliament, although the identities of the complainers, who earn basic salaries of £84,000, were shielded from public disclosure.
Venues Cater to Diverse Audience
A spokesperson for the Commons mentioned, “Our venues cater to thousands of visitors, MPs, journalists, and the dedicated staff who ensure the smooth operation of Parliament on a weekly basis.” The variety of beverages and meals offered at subsidized rates continues to attract a significant crowd to the parliamentary precincts.
**FAQs**
**Q: Are the prices of drinks and meals within Parliament significantly lower than those at nearby establishments?**
A: Yes, drinks and meals within Parliament are noticeably cheaper, with pints of lager priced between £4.35 and £4.70, compared to nearby pubs where the cost can be up to £7 per pint.
**Q: Which beverage topped the list of the most served individual drink at the parliamentary facilities?**
A: San Miguel emerged as the most served individual beverage, as per the recently released Freedom of Information list.
**Q: What was the total number of traditional teas sold across the House?**
A: A combined total of 22,179 large cups and pots of traditional tea were sold within the parliamentary premises.
**Q: Were there any complaints raised by MPs regarding the prices of subsidized food items?**
A: MPs were reported to have expressed dissatisfaction over the increased prices of subsidized food items, despite them being offered at discounted rates compared to external vendors.
**Q: What was the response of Commons officials to the complaints about food prices within Parliament?**
A: Commons officials acknowledged the complaints but refrained from disclosing the names of the complainers, who earn basic salaries of £84,000, to avoid potential embarrassment.
**Q: Who frequents the venues within the Palace of Westminster on a weekly basis?**
A: The venues within the Palace of Westminster attract a diverse audience, including visitors, MPs, journalists, and the dedicated staff responsible for the smooth functioning of Parliament.
