A high-end restaurant featured in the Michelin guide has recently introduced an exclusive menu consisting solely of water, with prices reaching up to £19 per bottle.
La Popote, a French fine dining establishment situated in Cheshire, collaborated with renowned British water sommelier Doran Binder to curate this distinctive water selection. Owner Joseph Rawlins expressed their aim to offer a unique experience, highlighting Binder’s passion for water and the diverse nature of water beyond its basic form.
The decision to launch this water-only menu was driven by a growing interest in premium water varieties. Rawlins emphasized that they would not have pursued this concept if there had been any negative connotations associated with it, stating that the menu offers a range of price points to allow customers to explore different water options.
The concept was initially proposed by Binder three years ago, but it was only approved at the beginning of this year following a successful water tasting session. Over the past seven months, Binder meticulously crafted a menu featuring seven premium waters sourced from various regions in Europe, including both still and sparkling options.
The menu showcases a diverse range of waters, starting from £5 for Binder’s own Crag Spring Water and peaking at £19 for a bottle of Portuguese sparkling water, The Palace of Vidago. The restaurant’s unveiling of the water menu sparked mixed reactions among viewers, with some questioning the idea of paying premium prices for water while others welcomed the concept as a refreshing alternative to traditional drink menus.
While some criticized the extravagance of expensive water bottles, others appreciated the option of a dedicated water menu, especially for non-drinkers who often feel overlooked in dining settings. The discussion also raised awareness of global water disparities, with some users highlighting the contrast between luxury water consumption and the scarcity of clean water in certain regions.
In response to the diverse feedback, the restaurant emphasized the intention behind the water menu and its role in providing a unique dining experience. As discussions on the value of premium water continue, the restaurant remains open to feedback and perspectives from its patrons and the community.
