Service standards in the UK

[Viney]

This weekend we went out for something to eat. Once on Saturday evening, and the other yesterday, and i was totaly suprised by the complete lack of good service in this country.

1st off was a Chinese place in China town. Now, i know they are renowned for thier dodgy service, but the food is great. So we sort of put up with that, also we dont want to meet with the triads!!

However, yesterday took the biscuit. There where 4 of us, and we decided to pop into a pub in Greenwich (The Yacht) for a spot of lunch. We didnt order anything to complicated. A couple of sandwichies, and a burger. We where told half and hour to 40 mins. No problem, we, at the time, wasnt in any rush. An hour and a half later, we are still waiting, and after being told 10 mins, at least 4 times, the food arrived. Only, after being told an hour and a half later that they had no burger buns, so is a couple of slices of bread ok!!

So, verna, being verna, complained. The attitude from the 'waiter' was unbelieveable. Telling us it wasnt thier fault, Sunday is the busiest time, and that if they dont briong the food out togehter then 'people like us' complained. Then another girl came over, and he told her the story using the same sort of words. She, was pleasnt, and sorted us a part re-fund which we accepted, but this little git was on borrowed time.

So, i ask you people out there in SV land, stand up for bad service in this country, complain if you think its bad. If you where american, you wouldnt stand for it.

Originally Posted by Viney

If you where american, you wouldnt stand for it.

You shoot them!

[Viney]

Give me a gun, and i would. Falling down Styleeeee

Yes, service in this country is generally pretty appalling unless you go to fairly pricey restaurants and even then you're not guaranteed that it's going to be any where near as good as in some $4 American buffet diner. A few chains (Pizza Express being one) seem to consistantly be able to manage to train their staff in all their restaurants to a good standard, so it is possible. I've worked as a (good quality, silver serving) waiter and it's not particularly hard unless you are really understaffed or looking after big tables (8+). Really riles me to see 3 members of staff waiting on a total of 4 tables and still ballsing it up and taking hours. I got so fed up at one place's lack of interest in refilling my supposed infinite refills on my drink (they'd not done it once after half hour of it being empty and my asking 3 times) I took the glass into their kitchen and refilled it myself. They looked uncomfortable, but none of them said anything.

It's not just restaurants.

Being self employed I have contact with many different service and good providers and at least once a week I come off the phone shaking my head thinking "how the hell are they still in business?"

C

I don't blame them. Having worked in many many Restaurants from Nandos to Cordon Bleu it's not worth making an effort. People in this country will not tip regardless of the standard of service. I would often have tables running bills over £600, complimenting the food, having a bit of friendly banter and even pouring every glass of wine and not recieve a penny in tips. When you're working at less than £5 an hour busting a gut you soon lose enthusiasm.

BTW in my last service job main courses were £18-£25, starters £10+

I was earning £4.65/hour, working my **** off and tips averaged an additional 30p/hour.

[tigersaw]

Some places now give the standard lousy service, but add their service charge on the bill themselves.

Originally Posted by tigersaw

Some places now give the standard lousy service, but add their service charge on the bill themselves.

Which goes in to the pockets of the restaurant. Not the staff.

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

I don't blame them. Having worked in many many Restaurants from Nandos to Cordon Bleu it's not worth making an effort. People in this country will not tip regardless of the standard of service. I would often have tables running bills over £600, complimenting the food, having a bit of friendly banter and even pouring every glass of wine and not recieve a penny in tips. When you're working at less than £5 an hour busting a gut you soon lose enthusiasm.

I tip if I see the services deserves it. If it doesn't then no tip.

Having said that, if they are employed to do a job they should do it properly, not sulk they don't get paid enough. That way whilst not guaranteeing tips, they are increasing their chance of getting one!