The Cost of Living and Dining

With the cost of living spiralling out of control, we’re doing all we can to continue to keep Cin Cin the accessible, neighbourhood restaurant we always wanted it to be. A special place that you can enjoy at least every month, or even every week. We want to continue to deliver on that promise, even during these toughest of times.

Prices are going up and up, month on month. Latest figures show food price inflation at 16.2%, the worst it has been for 45 years. We’re all feeling the strain.  And we can see that PWC recently reported that almost 50% of diners have either stopped or reduced the amount they eat out.

At Cin Cin, we feel that pressure too. Let’s start with the rising costs of all the ingredients that go into our dishes and the increases we have seen this last year, to name but a few:

• Eggs – to make your pasta silky and rich – up 57%

• Milk – a staple in any restaurant or home – up 59%

• Butter – the base of all our sauces and emulsions – up 46%

• Grated Parmesan – to top off your pasta dishes – up 42%

And the utilities to keep our lights on, the kitchen running and coffee machines grinding, we have been quoted a rise of almost 400% from spring next year. If that’s the reality, it will literally be very hard to keep the lights on.

Cin Cin has always been proud to be a Living Wage employer, but with increased inflation, this means an increase in our wage bill (up over 10% in April and the same again is forecast for this April).

So, whilst we do have to review our menu prices month to month to keep up with the steep rise in costs, we’re doing whatever we can to absorb as much of this as possible so we can continue to deliver on our promise. Back in September, we brought back £10 Tuesdays at both our restaurants. That’s £10 for a handmade pasta dish and a glass of wine or beer, served by our wonderful team, all for just £10.  We have a great value lunch offer at both restaurants this Xmas – 2 courses for £22 or 3 courses for £30. Perfect for a catch up with friends or a casual business lunch. Also available at both our restaurants. And coming into the festive season, we are offering a free glass of L’Occhiolino sparkling Lambrusco on arrival when you dine with us between 3pm and 5:30pm.

So, whilst we are all feeling the pressure, we still want as many customers as possible to enjoy a meal at Cin Cin. So pop by when you can, we’d love to see you.

David, Jamie & Team Cin Cin x