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AIBU?

To be massively pissed off?

19 replies

olibeansmummy · 16/07/2011 21:44

Tonight we went out for dinner to celebrate dh's birthday. We went to a "nice" restaurant but when we booked we were asked if we needed a highchair, so supposedly child friendly and there were other kids there, although older than ds (2.1). Ds was lovely, very well behaved and he sat nicely on a chair, ate nicely with a fork, used the potty in the toilet etc. Some of the waiters chatted to him as they went past and I overheard the people on the next table commenting on how cute and good he was :) I was very proud.

When we came to leave dh took a mint imperial and ds wanted one but obviously couldn't have one, so he burst into tears :( one waiter, who had been very rude all night, commented to us that, " no wonder he's moody he should be at home in bed." it was 8:30pm so an hour after his bed time but he regularly stays up til that sort of time when we go out for meals etc. AIBU to think it's none of his business what we do with our ds and that this is not the way to speak to paying customers? Would you complain or forget about it and not go back?

This was not the only example of crap customer service during the evening, for example the same waiter, when dh asked for sirloin steak said, "a plain steak!" dh replied, " are there others?" and the waiter said, " look on the menu" and didn't help point them out or anything.

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ZillionChocolate · 16/07/2011 21:46

I might have complained at the time but I'm not sure it's worth it after the event.

thisisyesterday · 16/07/2011 21:51

to be fair it is a bit weird that your husband hadn't actually looked at the menu before ordering.

that said, good service costs nothing and yes, i do think that both members of staff were a bit rude.

i probably wouldn't complain, i'd just fester and then forget abhout it

Minshu · 16/07/2011 21:51

It's a shame that one crap waiter can leave a bad impression on your otherwise enjoyable evening (and potentially prevent you leaving a tip for anyone else serving you). Try not to think about it, but if you can't stop dwelling on it you could write a letter to the management and decide whether or not to send it tomorrow?

kelaiva · 16/07/2011 21:56

Very Very anoying! I would be totally p**d off too if I were in your shoes. However from previous experiences of similar situations, I'd be boiling at the time but kind of forget about it as unfortunately there are some horrible rude people and if thats the kind of crack he comes out with, I'm sure he's not a happy person inside!! let that be your satisfaction hun and don't waste you energy on him ; )

JJ02 · 16/07/2011 21:58

Send a letter of complaint, I run a restaurant, That is inexcusable, You have the right. How will the owners know how their staff are behaving if you say nothing and they don't see! If you don't get a decent apology then you know not to go back nor recommend.

olibeansmummy · 16/07/2011 21:59

He did look but not properly as we went as he'd been told their steaks were really good ( they weren't). He was going to order the steak and ask for peppercorn sauce but they were listed as separate dishes on the menu if that makes sense.

I guess were mostly pissed off that he made a nasty commenting about our parenting for no reason.

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storytopper · 16/07/2011 22:01

I would go on a restaurant review website (or several) and leave a comment - generally praise the restaurant for all its good points but don't hold back about that particular waiter spoiling it for you. They need to get feedback - good and bad.

olibeansmummy · 16/07/2011 22:01

Thanks JJ, we definately won't be going back as the food and service were generally mediocre. Would you be glad to hear feedback then?

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dwpanxt · 16/07/2011 22:06

I always complain about bad service etc. As JJ02 says ,the owners need to know how the staff behave . Maybe they are losing customers and don't know why so you willbe doing them a favour by letting them know.

Depending on the reply -or lack of it- you might also put an entry on a review site.

BimboNo5 · 16/07/2011 22:09

Half 8 is quite late for a child of that age to be out and about though they are bound to get arsey was the waiter old? Sounds like a children should be seen and not heard and sent up chimneys as soon as they can walk type of man.

snippywoo2 · 16/07/2011 22:14

I spent many years as a waitress and if I had made comments like that to a customer I would have been given a right talking to by the manager. I would phone the manager and complain about the waiter, its not his job to make comments of a negative nature and potentially ruin your night, he should keep his thoughts to himself. In a restaurant its all about customer service or it should be. I'm sure the manager would rather know about it than lose your custom especially as a lot of businesses are struggling at the moment.

olibeansmummy · 16/07/2011 22:16

No not old, probably 30s and just an arse in general. 8:30s not that late, probably the latest we'd keep him out for but he was still awake and eating his bedtime story when we got home so not over tired. I could understand if he'd been whinging and disturbing others but he was on top form tonight, so what the hell does it have to do with him?

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JJ02 · 16/07/2011 22:24

Yes defiantly I would want to hear, Bad or good how else do we improve ? Customers pay hard earned money to go out and eat and have a good time. Restaurants need repeat business and good reputations to survive in this current climate.
The waiter was in the wrong, The owners need to know & the restaurant needs to improve on their staff training or they will lose Business. if they don't apologize sincerely then they do not deserve to survive.

SmethwickBelle · 16/07/2011 22:26

He sounds chippy and I would leave him to it, your son did you proud by the sound of it, you know it, don't give that waiter another thought. I am sure it wasn't personal, I am sure he snipes indiscriminately.

If the restaurant had some problem with children at that time it wouldn't be the job of the waiter to raise it.

BimboNo5 · 16/07/2011 22:46

but he was still awake and eating his bedtime story when we got home

Wow im also questioning the quality of the food at this place as well then!

olibeansmummy · 17/07/2011 06:26

Haha that should have said asking for! No idea what happened there...

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LadyClariceCannockMonty · 17/07/2011 16:45

I'd write or email. Not a hysterical rant, just a calm list of the things you didn't like about the service. It's feedback and all companies need and pay attention to feedback (or should, anyway). I wouldn't be in a hurry to go back unless you get a very apologetic response and maybe an incentive like an offer of dinner on the house!

olibeansmummy · 17/07/2011 17:03

Well dh sent an e-mail, as pp said just listing the problems with the service. He received a swift response apologising for the servic, but said the comment was clearly meant 'in jest'. If it was the waiter clearly needs to work on his joking voice! No offer of any incentive to return, so we'll not bother.

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LadyClariceCannockMonty · 17/07/2011 17:05

Not good enough. Even if it was meant in jest, it offended you and needs a proper apology.

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