to think if you make a complaint about service in a restaurant they should offer you a voucher by way of apology?

[lostindubai]

I recommended a restaurant to a friend for lunch as I'd had some lovely meals there, and unfortunately we ended up being rudely hurried through our meal (waiter even tried to take plates away while friend was still eating!)

I wrote to the restaurant explaining how embarrassed I'd been as it was my recommendation (although accepted the food was lovely, which it was). I got a reply saying thanks for the feedback and the staff would be retrained etc. But no invite back to the restaurant or voucher.

Before this incident I wouldn't have expected that. But now I feel no motivation whatsoever to go back now after our experience and will probably not bother again (lots of other lovely places to eat anyway).

It's a small problem I know, but what do others think? I've never complained to a restaurant before, so wonder if it's usual not to offer some incentive to come back?

Yes Loletta you've got the situation completely.

I didn't write with the intention of getting a freebie honestly I'm not 'grabby'. It's just that now I can't see a reason to go back, as I still have a nasty taste in my mouth from that experience. If I had a voucher to spend then I'd want to go back to use it and as SeenSheen said, they could redeem themselves. Yes they're a business so they should be looking after their regulars!

I'm not losing sleep or anything over this. I just found myself feeling this way and thought I'd put it out there to see what others made of it.

Beaufort I quote - 'Just get on with it please'.

Still

The KFC one is possibly that if the self service queue runs quickly and more smoothly, all those people standing around will be out of a job. Not in their interests to make self service run well!

In future OP, please give them the opportunity to rectify their mistake there and then. Speak to the Matre De, or the Duty Manager. Explain your issues and they will resolve them as best they can.

If you dont get a resolution there and then, that is when you write after the fact.

A large group of us dined at a restaurant a few days ago and the service was hideous. Truly awful. One of us spoke to the Manager between Main and Dessert. He acknowledged the problem and took a little of the bill. The dessert abd coffee service was even worse - we stood to leave after 45 mins with no desserts.

The Manager then wiped all charges off our bill and brought us Prosecco and cheese boards to the Bar area.

Frankly, id rather have just had what we expected and paid for it. Id rather have had the service they normally deliver. However I accept they rectified the mistake.

I absoloutley would never have left without giving them the chance to demonstrate their apology.

Dear OP.
I had anticipated great things from this thread due to the title. Imagine my surprise upon reading the whole thread that it was nowhere near as interesting as I had been cruelly led to believe. Could you send some money as compensation to me via MNHQ, and maybe give me a foot rub too.

Yours, Tiggy "Hot Lips" Darling.

Tiggy you don't pay my wages, why would I compensate you?

Because in the time it took me to read this thread I could have entered and won a professional squash tournament, which means I've lost money as a result. I need compensation.

Not sure if you're just in a strange mood or if you're always like this Tiggy, either way it was lovely chatting.

You seem grabby. It would be nice if they did give you something, but you seem quite put out that they haven't. I would just be happy that they took on board my complaint.

Not put out. Just feeling a bit sad that I no longer want to go there. I don't think you read my posts properly.

But you would want to go there if they gave you some money? Or money off vouchers?

Not after money, but a voucher would provide me with an incentive wouldn't it?

A voucher gives you a cheaper meal in a place you don't really rate anyway.

That's why I wouldn't use a voucher. I wouldn't say no to a refund if things have been really grim, which is why discussing it calmly at the time with a manager or supervisor is a good idea.

I don't agree that they should send a voucher. It would encourage grabby people to make complaints. If I make a complaint about service then I specifically say that I don't want anything. I don't even give my address. That way the company know I am making a genuine complaint.

I would take a voucher if I've lost out financially. Eg, when Waitrose sold me some already mouldy strawberries.

Read the thread LineRunner! I do rate it.

I did read it. I was on it earlier.

You must have missed that bit then

To those asking why I'd want to go back - they've always been great before and the food is lovely. This was a different (new?) waiter. I'd never seen him before.

So you'll be going back then? Even without a freebie?

Bad service = no tip

Well I've reviewed the thread, and after much soul-searching I have decided that I will be reviewing my procedures as a consequence. I am grateful for your feedback and I am providing you as a goodwill gesture a voucher made by my DD out of greaseproof paper and glitter.

I trust that this means you will continue to return to the thread on a regular basis and enjoy all of its comforts and hospitality.

linerunner Tsk tsk don't be naughty

Who me?

I got a voucher once from a well known chain (their airport one) that is usually lovely after I and my lovely new dh spent the first day of our honeymoon with diarrhoea while travelling. Was pretty upset about it but never used the voucher. I think a complaint about being rushed is not meriting a voucher.