Afternoon tea difficulty

[TheAverageJoanne]

Well it's ATBU. Booked afternoon tea for a few friends on Saturday for a birthday. One person only eats cheese on sandwiches but she'll have chutney and things like that on them.

Unfortunately they are being rather difficult. When I requested cheese sandwiches when I booked she had to check with her manager who said it would be OK. They phoned today saying they could only provide cream cheese & cucumber, but not plain cheese! I pointed out plain cheese was available on the children's menu but they weren't able to change the sandwich selection, only for allergy or food intolerance.

AIBU to not leave them a tip, grumble on Trip Advisor and complain to them? We want it to go ahead. I'm going to make some and take along in a sandwich box for this person, too. She doesn't eat meat or fish.

This is a prestige hotel that charges a lot btw.

Ah sorry I misunderstood.

I think it might only be fresh coriander as well.

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.

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.

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.

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!

There's only one option. Singular. Much less choice than for meat eaters.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I booked yesterday which is 96 hours ahead!

Good plan. Make sure you tell them it’s her birthday.

I agree but this one didn’t! It had one menu, no subs accepted. I’m not saying it’s ok, and I think there should be flexibility esp if they are making them fresh as you would think and hope for given the absolute rip off prices most charge!

Why are you not using the allergy or food intolerance reason if that’s an option?

A lot of vegetarians don't eat egg...

I also don't know many meat eaters that get one option and would be entirely happy with it. Why should vegetarians have to suck up one option?

Because it’s a lie?

So? It’s a catering option.

Arguably (and I know there will be those who argue!) the vegetarians have the same choice as everyone else but have chosen not to eat the meat options. Obviously, people with allergies and intolerances don't have the same choices.

Ah come on!

Arguably (and I know there will be those who argue!) the vegetarians have the same choice as everyone else but have chosen not to eat the meat options. Obviously, people with allergies and intolerances don't have the same choices.
Thats a bit rough attitude on people not eating due to religious and cultural reasons!
Im not arguing, just saying!

But why did you book somewhere without a veggie option if there's a veggie going....

Prestige Hotels aren't generally geared towards adults who need to order off the kids menu.

Why not? What difference could it possibly make to them which menu someone orders from?