BYOB (bring your own bottle) is one of Richmond's best-kept dining secrets — but it comes with unwritten rules. This short guide covers what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to enjoy a relaxed BYOB evening at Jaflong Tandoori without the awkward moments.
What you can and cannot bring
- Wine, sparkling and beer — yes, always welcome
- Spirits — generally not part of BYOB at halal restaurants; please call to ask
- Pre-mixed cocktails — no, ask the restaurant first
- Soft drinks — usually preferred from our drinks menu so we can serve quickly
What we provide free of charge
- Wine and beer glasses, chilled if you ask in advance
- Ice bucket and ice
- Corkscrew
- Bottle return — we recycle every bottle
Planning a BYOB evening
A little planning makes BYOB feel like a private cellar dinner rather than an afterthought.
- Chill your white or rosé at home — restaurants can chill on arrival but it takes 15 minutes
- Bring one bottle per two diners for a typical 90-minute dinner
- Tell us at booking if you would like a specific wine pairing built into the order
- It is courteous to offer the table sommelier a small tasting pour of something special
Tipping when there is no corkage
Many guests ask: 'If I bring my own wine, should I tip more?' Our service team will pour, decant, top up and ice your bottles — the same work as the wine team in any other restaurant. A standard 10–12.5% tip on the food bill is generous and welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Is BYOB really free of corkage at Jaflong Tandoori?
Yes. We charge zero corkage and no service charge. Bring any wine, beer or sparkling — we provide glasses, ice and a corkscrew at no charge.
How many bottles can I bring?
There is no formal limit. For a typical 90-minute dinner, one bottle per two diners works well; for a longer celebration meal, plan for two bottles for four diners.
Can I bring spirits as part of BYOB?
Generally no — Jaflong Tandoori is a halal restaurant and we do not serve spirits. For special occasions, call ahead and we will discuss what is appropriate.
Do I need to bring my own corkscrew?
No. We provide a corkscrew, ice bucket and chilled glassware for every BYOB table.