Afternoon tea difficulty

Since they told you they can accommodate, I think they're being very unreasonable to go back on that and be difficult about it. And yes, grumbling and not leaving a tip is a reasonable response.

I don't know that I agree that it's particularly easy to accommodate such requests, though. You normally have to book 24 hours ahead because providing all the different the different little bits for a tea in a form where they're fresh, is tricky. It takes planning. Having one person require something special has knock on effects on other plates.

Hotel not required to cater for guests? Nonsense.

I’ve been to places where I’ve asked for things not even on the menu and they’ve done it. It’s a cheese sandwich. If a place can’t provide these, then I wouldn’t be going back.

My daughter is autistic and at one point she would only eat certain things. Not once were we denied her special requests. As long as they have it in the kitchen, any decent place will oblige.

I've only ever booked where they are accommodating and I very much enjoy an afternoon tea. For instance I've had meat sandwiches swapped out for fish or vegetarian. Even our local garden centre will swap out the ham sandwiches for another filling. I do think it is poor to only have one vegetarian sandwich filling on the menu. I'm not a massive fan of cream cheese either.

It’s just that she’s vegetarian. It’s a pity that wasn’t mentioned in the OP.

So why did you chose somewhere that doesn't cater to your party's needs?

not the seeds that are used in dried coriander,

Ooh, I thought you could also get dried leaves.

Was sure I'd had some at some point!

Apparently its genetic - they have the olfactory-receptor genes that react to the aldehyde in coriander leaves. It genuinely tastes like soap to them - the adehyde is found in the leaves, not the seeds that are used in dried coriander, so they can eat that without issue.
I find all this stuff interesting! I didnt know about the leaves and seeds.

Apparently its genetic - they have the olfactory-receptor genes that react to the aldehyde in coriander leaves. It genuinely tastes like soap to them - the adehyde is found in the leaves, not the seeds that are used in dried coriander, so they can eat that without issue.

I think it might only be fresh coriander as well.
I think you are right as they dont have issues when I use dried coriander in curries.

Ah sorry I misunderstood.

I think it might only be fresh coriander as well.

I have the same opinion to be honest.

I can get that in a cheaper place, everything is probably pre-made and it's a bit like it or lump it. But in an expensive place, good customer service is expected as part of the deal, and rustling up a few cheese sarnies can't be that hard, for the sake of a happy customer. Especially as you asked beforehand.

But also, what sort of full grown adult only eats cheese sandwiches?! That's... a bit pathetic honestly.

*diddl · Today 14:27
My dh and both sons hate coriander and say it tastes like soap. I love it and have always been ' what's your problem!'

Well their problem obviously is that it tastes like soap to them.
Did you not believe them?

Of course i believed them! Its family banter because I love corrinder so much!
I'll eat my food and say ' oh my goodness this is so amazing with all this coriander and they will look like this 🤮
I'd joke that they need to try harder!

They do the same with cucumber to me

😆

Some tastes are genetic.

Coriander can taste like soap to some
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-love-or-hate-cilantro-the-reason-may-surprise-you

And cucumber tastes odd to others!
www.eatingwell.com/why-you-might-hate-cucumbers-11861996

My dh and both sons hate coriander and say it tastes like soap. I love it and have always been ' what's your problem!'

Well their problem obviously is that it tastes like soap to them.

Did you not believe them?

It does to me & my son, but not to my husband & daughter.

I would tell the friend that it is what it is, and there aren't going to be the sandwiches she likes. So either she sits it out or puts up with it.

Then I'd make a mental note never to do anything foodie with her again as she has the palate of a three year old.

It’s very poor of them.I love afternoon tea but don’t like cheese. We always ask when booking to make sure that there are some cheese-free sandwiches and all venues have been most accommodating. I never ask for something different, just double up on something else and omit the cheese. The cheesy savouries I’ll give to someone else as I tend to prefer the sweet stuff anyway.

Also, it's just a sandwich.

There are other things to eat as well - and then, of course, the company, which I take to be the real point of the visit, rather than a fairly basic cheese finger sandwich you could whip up a plate of any night at home.

Weirdly, fresh coriander in particular seems to be extremely polarising.

Some people feel absolutely revolted by it, whereas others, like me, feel it adds something quite ethereal to a dish.

I have recently realised I love - LOVE - the smell of fresh torn basil but actually don't like the taste when cooked. I still wouldn't make the restaurant pick it out though; I'd eat it or choose something else.

Exactly

Check whether the venue can cater for your requirements before booking. If they can't then don't book the venue

Simple

I find this thread fascinating.

Respondents are divided into two groups.

One feels passive and one feels active.

The first group is outraged at the hotel. They say you should complain, or leave a bad review, or not tip. They say the hotel is fundamentally wrong (it should provide an alternative) or at least disingenuous (it could provide an alternative). They say the customer is always right. This group feels it has right on its side

The second group is more ambivalent about the hotel. Resigned. They say the hotel can do what it likes. The OP can choose not to go. She can go somewhere else.

For me, the first position is pointless. It doesn't really matter if you think the hotel could or should do better, in your eyes. Fact is, they've said what they're doing.

The second position isn't necessarily in disagreement with the first, but solves the problem. The first position is just moaning.

Just go somewhere that provides the service you want. How is that difficult?

So many places have a vegetarian afternoon tea menu though?!
It baffles me that people don't check whether there's a vegetarian menu first before going, and then secondly act all surprised and put out when there's not much (or any choice) for them when they get there seeing as they've ordered a "normal" (in other words non veggie option that's going to include meat and/or fish!)
I mean, sorry but that's common sense, surely?

It’s not as bigger money spinner as you’d think - especially if it moves away from a set selection (dietary reasons aside). OP’s friend wants a cheese sandwich substituted, somebody only wants ham, somebody else wants no salmon but extra coronation chicken instead. It eventually completely buggers up stock supply/preparation.

I think what most of us want to know is why OP and her friends want to go to a place with no vegetarian menu and no flexibility about it despite one of their number being a vegetarian. Especially as it’s quite unusual for there to be no vegetarian option and they’ve been other places in the past that have worked for everyone so it’s not like it’s this hotel of nowhere.

I’m sure if OP let us know a vague area there would be loads of recommendations for veggie afternoon tea!