Food & Beverage: The Aramark Era begins

I don’t mind the vending machines themselves, nor do I really mind the “Phalanx Asset: Monster Energy” on the side.

But the screen advertising Monster and the car parked next to it does kind of irk me a fair bit. Let’s not go back to the era of blatant advertising. I’d rather not have a giant adverts across the park and especially not within what is meant to be the most immersive area of the park.

DiogoJ42 said:

I was under the impression that ban came in to force several years ago? Energy drinks are treated like spirits in most shops I've been to, they even make self checkouts beep for a staff member.

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The majority of Supermarkets, and some shops, voluntarily operate an under 16 year old ban on the sale of energy drinks, but it is not a legal requirement.

Just as an aside, in the Wicker Man queue kiosk last year a lad asked for an energy drink (I guess Monster?) and the server asked to see ID. To which he said he didn't have any and so they wouldn't serve him.

Most supermarkets operate an under 16 policy (18 for most deliveries), so expect some backlash from the "fun police". Though at AT you have to walk so far it might do more good than harm!

The sad thing is, that if ever there was one brand that could actually work as a sponsor for Nemy, it kinda has to be Monster, doesn't it?

I feel dirty even thinking that. I'm gonna have to go shower in bleach.

Better suited to TP. Get rid of the pigs! Either that or Red Bull - both have enormously deep pockets. Plenty enough to finance a new ride (could have been Hyperia)

s_g_k said:

A very nicely themed Monster Energy drinks unit has been installed in Forbidden Valley on the path between Blade’s former site and the catering units.

Whilst I don’t really approve of advertising energy drinks in a family resort, the theming looks spot on.

Photo credit: Coastertog on Instagram.

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That looks really good. The tentacles enveloping the unit are a touch that definitely enhances it.

Smiley said:

Better suited to TP. Get rid of the pigs!

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They did, at the end of 2023.

DiogoJ42 said:

The sad thing is, that if ever there was one brand that could actually work as a sponsor for Nemy, it kinda has to be Monster, doesn't it?

I feel dirty even thinking that. I'm gonna have to go shower in bleach.

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Imagine if they released a limited edition Nemesis can/flavour, people would go absolutely mental for it.

Just like that gopping Prime drink, there are people who collect all the varieties of Monster worldwide like they are Pokemon cards or something.

That unit looks well-themed and done. It's just a shame they cannot consistently create high-quality theming like this. It only looks good because Monster likely paid for it.

Double post, whip me.

The food vans are back open in X-Sector. Disclaimer: If you have any heart problems I suggest you do not look at the prices below.



Pictures in spoiler tag for those unable to access Facebook:

I saw this on FB and commented yesterday, It would help digest the extortionate price if they actually included a drink, it would be no cost to them as soft drinks cost literal pennys, the price would still be expensive, but better.

Alas no, they pull your pants down and absolutely spank you blind with a ridiculous price, then charge for a drink on top.

£3.50 for a water? I would rather go to one of the bars and get one for free.

One would hope they are serving Rick Stien quality fish and chips for that price, but you know it will be no where near the quality or portion size. Speaking of portion sizes, for that price, I would hope that you at least, get a lot for your money, I doubt it though.

More than £60, to feed a family of four with fish and chips, without drinks?!

Alton Towers, if you are reading this, (I hope you are) you can shove those prices and your food, where the sun doesnt shine. I am sure and hope many people share the same sentiment too and bring their own food.

I am so happy they won the award for the worst value day out on the planet recently, from hundreds of examined days out, they need to win more awards like this, with more recognition. Its the only way they will learn.

“Shock” burgers is an apt name for those prices.

As i mentioned in my Legoland post, they've finally started selling pizza by the slice:



It's a great quick and relatively cheap option imo.
Whereas at the other end of the scale they were selling a special "Happy Hoppy Burger" for an eye watering £17.50.

This is the photo from their own account promoting it so i dread to think what it might look like if ordered:

DistortAMG said:

One would hope they are serving Rick Stien quality fish and chips for that price, but you know it will be no where near the quality or portion size. Speaking of portion sizes, for that price, I would hope that you at least, get a lot for your money, I doubt it though.

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I don’t live far from Padstow and Rick Stein’s is absolutely dreadful in quality, quantity and price. Aramark has got a lot in common!

If the quality/quantity was there then OK I guess. But you know it won't be - obvious giveaways like not stating the size of the pizza/burgers. No hints like "sourdough" or "red tractor beef". Also no-one charges £2.50 for salami and then only £3.50 for prosciutto. I can tell you from helping pizza restaurants' business, that a good quality 12" sourdough pizza costs around £3-£3.50 to make (all in). I pay £15 or less to eat in a restaurant.

£3.50 for water is just criminal. It should be free. I have no problem charging 25% more than high street restaurants - IF you're delivering high street restaurant food.

DistortAMG said:

One would hope they are serving Rick Stien quality fish and chips for that price, but you know it will be no where near the quality or portion size. Speaking of portion sizes, for that price, I would hope that you at least, get a lot for your money, I doubt it though.

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Leigh said:

I don’t live far from Padstow and Rick Stein’s is absolutely dreadful in quality, quantity and price. Aramark has got a lot in common!

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Others agree too:

From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St_O4TY-4FU

was a return visit to see if they could redeem themselves but no.

Smiley said:

£3.50 for water is just criminal. It should be free

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I can understand charging for water in this case, they are mobile food vans typically with small water tanks (for cleaning / washing) so their water is probably bottled if it was a permanent place I wouldn't be happy with it (although £3.50 is very expensive)

Smiley said:

If the quality/quantity was there then OK I guess. But you know it won't be - obvious giveaways like not stating the size of the pizza/burgers. No hints like "sourdough" or "red tractor beef". Also no-one charges £2.50 for salami and then only £3.50 for prosciutto. I can tell you from helping pizza restaurants' business, that a good quality 12" sourdough pizza costs around £3-£3.50 to make (all in). I pay £15 or less to eat in a restaurant.

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I would agree, from what I recall last year they were apparently good food (£15+ good I am not sure) although I guess they are factoring in the 20% MAP discount on probably quite a few purchases.

if they give it some quality for instance I would LOVE for AT to have local meat, as it is with a lot of farms and other things to add quality food to justify their high price then it would be perfect, but it is just a bit naf

I presume you can still claim free tap water with a meal at whatever woodcutters is called this week?
The law is the law after all.

Leigh said:

I don’t live far from Padstow and Rick Stein’s is absolutely dreadful in quality, quantity and price. Aramark has got a lot in common!

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Lucky you to live in such an amazing part of the country. You know, not sure why I made that comparison, ive seen the same sentiments on many YouTube food review channels.