Customer Experiences !!! BBC Style !! Serious Thread !!

Well ok its not THAT serious a thread but it is work related -

Org family of mine, I'd love your thoughts and feedback about a new project I am going to be running OBO Zizzi - my new employer !!!

I'd really like to know from a casual dining point of view - ie eating out in places like Zizzi, Ask, Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge, Strada, Prezzo etc etc .....
What really makes for a fantastic dining experience for YOU?
What do YOU think would make you want to return?

..... pleeeeeeeease no de railing - for once I do want real / helpful comments.

Also in terms of 'values' what do you think a restaurant should aim to provide?

Thanks muchly all xx - happy for you to PM me ideas in case you don't want me to run off with your 'dragons den patent ideas

BBC

Well cooked food and good service. If I wanted badly cooked rubbish I could do that myself and I really don't want to be sitting around with an empty glass unless I've been offered another drink and refused,

thanks Spank! noted!

[Bluepete]

I want a clean table and environment. Staff who aren't pushy but pay attention.

Fresh food, not packaged meals reheated by a chef with a GCE in home economics.

Good beer and a decent wine list, preferably an open fire.

All in all, a good doody, local pub.

The Waddington Arms near Clitheroe is a perfect example.

http://www.waddingtonarms.co.uk/

Pete

It seems to be getting the 'simple' stuff wrong that a lot of places fall down on.

Okay, I know it's not all so simple but it is pretty basic and it makes or breaks a dining experience.

thanks bluepete !! aww my uncle and aunt used to live in Clitheroe lovely place indeed !

bbc

i agree totally spank! x

I think I'm easily pleased. It's easier to say what I don't like but I'll give it a go.

I don't like being ripped off for drinks. A reasonable mark up is fine. I expect to pay a bit more. But honestly...sometimes grrrrr!

I like experienced waiter/ waitress service. Not slating all young service staff, but I want someone to know what the dishes are and to know how they are cooked if asked. Not just stare blankly at me.

I like the service staff to return at some point during the meal and ask if everything is OK? That's a nice touch.

If something isn't quite right, I don't want any dramas, just put it right.

If a dish has something I don't like in it for example, then I want the restaurant to be able to be flexible and don't tell me it simply has to come with something or other.

Background music is OK but if your in a Greek restaurant I don't want to listen to Katie ****ing Perry whitering on all night.

Don't charge for tap water and don't charge for pre-meal bread, learn from the Frenchies.

Topless waitresses have their place, but make sure they're well fit.

Hope this helps

the idle biker - topless waitress is my new role hahah I am well fit
thank you so much - all really fantastic points and most of which I hadn't thought of - so thank you - all noted and being added to the list ! xx

Originally Posted by Bluepete

I want a clean table and environment. Staff who aren't pushy but pay attention.

Fresh food, not packaged meals reheated by a chef with a GCE in home economics.

Good beer and a decent wine list, preferably an open fire.

Pete

This^^...