To be getting annoyed with a restaurant?

[Gimmesomemore]

Ok, I'm probably being unreasonable, as I'm experiencing the period from hell.

It's dh's birthday tomorrow and we've got a reservation at a country restaurant booked for ourselves and 6 friends (3 couples.)

I booked it last week for 8 possibly 6, as one of the couples are unsure whether they'd be able to make it. I explained when booking that this might be an issue so I checked whether they are ok with this, which they said was fine.

Anyway, they keep calling to question whether it is still for 8. I keep telling them that one of the couples might need to pull out at the last minute and I'd make sure I'll tell them as soon as I know whether this is the case. They've just this minute called to confirm again whether the booking is for 8.

I know they are running a business, and due to the good weather must want to ensure they have a full booking. But why didn't they say this might be a problem for them when I initially booked? I could have booked elsewhere at that point.

I've checked with DH to keep in contact with our friends who may not be able to make it, but I don't want to pressure them.

We've not seen this couple since just after christmas, as their son (only 5) has been diagnosed with an aggressive, rare form of cancer, and has been in and out of Great Ormond Street Hospital. He keeps coming home but catches infections and they've had mad dashes back to the hospital.

I'm really hoping they've turned a corner with his treatment, as he went back to school for a day the other week.

So aibu to wish this restaurant would back off a little, since the circumstances are out of everybody's control, and I made them aware of the situation at the time of booking?

Just tell them it is for 8 people

Have you reminded them of the circulmstanes? Because it's unlikely that it's the same person you spoke to every time. It's probably just procedure and different people are calling

I hope your frends' little boy is OK - what a horrible thing to go through

Do the restaurant know the full circumstances or just that they might be two heads down at the last minute?

I can understand you not feeling the need to tell them exactly what the issue is, but equally, as you have pointed out, they do have a business to run - I'd imagine they are 'pestering' you because they've had to turn down other bookings on the possibility of you having a party of 8 rather than 6.

If all is well at the moment, tell them it's on for 8. Anyone's circumstances can change at the last minute anyway, hopefully yours won't.

Have a good evening and hope your friend's DC makes a full recovery.

Tell them it's for 8. If they are very busy,they could possibly use a table for 2?
Yabu to get annoyed about it. They are indeed a business,the reasons for you changing the booking are of no consequence to them,they just want as much revenue as possible. Yanbu to not pressure your friends,they are obviously having a terrible time. I do sincerely hope he recovers :(.
Whatever happens,enjoy your night out!

A lot of group bookings end up a couple of people up or down. I've never been questioned on it and it's never been a problem once we've got there and explained. They can always sell 2 extra places to a walk in i'm sure.

Agree with other posters....just tell them yes it's 8 and to please stop phoning.

Each time I've spoken to the restaurant, I speak to the same woman by name. I did tell her the circumstances briefly, at the time of booking, and she was extremely sympathetic.

As of today it's still on for the 8 of us. I reminded her today that our friends are looking forward to coming, but this all depends on their son and how he is doing.

Thanks for the kind comments re their son. He is really into Star Wars, and has compared the tumour to the Death Star, and the chemo is "the force"!

He sounds brilliant OP!

Hope all your friends make it and you have a fab night