Mornington pub Kirks on the Esplanade cops social media spray for price of ‘ginger ale’ pint

A frustrated Melburnian has taken to social media claiming they spent $42.40 on “two pints of ginger ale” at waterfront pub Kirks on the Esplanade in Mornington.

A Melburnian has taken to social media to warn others of pricing at a Mornington pub, claiming that they paid $42.40 for “two pints of ginger ale”.

The patron took to Reddit, posting a photo of the two drinks and the price, saying they’d bought them at Kirks on the Esplanade in Mornington.

The pub confirmed to the Herald Sun that it charges $21.20 for a pint of the Brookvale Union alcoholic ginger beer and that it is one of the more expensive options of alcohol that they offer on tap.

The post from Reddit user bolwarra, showing the two pints. Picture: Reddit/bolwarra

The Reddit post was quick to gain traction, with a flurry of comments both expressing outrage at the $21.20 pints and lamenting the state of hospitality pricing.

“Doesn’t surprise me. A pub in South Melbourne charges $11.50 for a pint of lemon, lime and bitters. It made me bitter, that’s for sure,” someone commented.

“Wtf, seriously wtf … where did you go that charges this much? My goodness, I would give it back and say no thank you,” another user said.

“20 dollars for a pint of craft beer is absolutely ridiculous unless it’s some special import. Plenty of good brew pubs in Melbourne not charging 20 bucks for a pint of craft,” another comment read.

Outside dining area at Kirks on the Esplanade on the Mornington Peninsula.

Hospitality workers were quick to add to the conversation, saying that while they understood the frustration at the prices, they pleaded with others not to take their anger out on them for it.

“Please just don’t abuse your servers/bartenders in the process, we don’t make the prices,” a user said.

“I work in hospitality, if the price is high and you don’t want it, please just politely decline. With all the recent price hikes there’s been such an increase in customers being abusive towards workers. We probably think the same, but at the same time, venues are also just trying to stay afloat,” someone else commented.

The Herald Sun reported in June that many pubs and hospitality venues were struggling to stay afloat, with many warning they’d have to charge $20 a pint and $50 for a counter meal to stay open.

Additionally, increases to the alcohol tax have made it even more difficult.

“The Australian government tax on alcohol is wild,” another comment began.

“Pubs, bars and restaurants are not thriving right now. There are many trying to sell or just shutting their doors. Small business in Australia is tough. If you’re paying more and therefore going out less you want the whole experience to be great. Service, drinks, food and vibes. I think things will balance back out but it has been a very hard few years for those that made it through Covid and still facing challenging times,” the commenter explained.

Among the comments were suggestions of ways to avoid paying over $40 for two drinks.

Many advised drinking at home instead of going out, while others said trying to make the most of happy hour prices, special deals or just drinking water or soft drink when dining out.

“Most places I go to, it’s only $10 a pint. Stop hanging out at expensive pubs,” was another suggestion.

A look at Kirks’ food menu would indicate that it’s priced on the higher side, with the pub charging $38 for a parma, $34 for a roast of the day, $50 for a 350g scotch fillet and $29 for a caesar salad – $35 if you add grilled chicken or smoked salmon.

The venue is located in a prime position on the Mornington Peninsula, with sweeping views of the water.

The Reddit poster has been contacted for comment.