Rude waiters remain diners’ biggest complaint
If you've had a bad experience in a restaurant, it's more than likely your waiter is to blame.
A new survey compiled by toptable.com for the London Restaurant Awards, shows that rude and inconsiderate staff come top (58%) in a poll that asked "name your top three gripes about restaurants".
Slow service came a close second with 52% and tiny tables third with 45%.
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Complaint
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% of respondents who found it an issue
|
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Rude staff
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58
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Slow service
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52
|
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Tables too small / close together
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45
|
|
Service charge
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38
|
|
Not offering tap water
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27
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Staff who don't know the menu
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24
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|
Dirty glasses
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22
|
|
Table turning
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14
|
Silvano Giraldin, Maitre D' of Le Gavroche and previous London Restaurant Award 'Outstanding Restaurant Service' winner said: "The food can be the best you have ever tasted, but a meal can be completely ruined by bad service.
"The very best service should put you completely at ease, pre-empt your needs, but never be intrusive –you should barely be aware of your waiter.Rudeness is unforgivable, the customer may not always be right, but they should always be respected."
Margaret Clancy, consultant, the London Restaurant Awards, added: "A surly attitude will always leave a bad taste in the mouth."
Other gripes mentioned included lack of English skills and poor choices for vegetarians.
toptable.com surveyed 1143 adults registered with the restaurant booking website.
Words: Clare Riley
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