Valentine's diners told to confront bad service

Edinburgh's City Council has issued advice for restaurant goers this weekend, telling them not to let poor restaurant service ruin their weekend.

Trading Standards experts are offering winers and diners tips to ensure a romantic meal out meets their expectations.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader, said: "In Edinburgh, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a good restaurant to enjoy a special romantic meal. But just in case you are unlucky with bad service or food that doesn't meet an acceptable standard, make sure you know your consumer rights to ensure that a dream date doesn't become a nightmare."

Advice includes a reminder to bring any problem to the restaurant's attention at the earliest possible moment.

Stephen Walker, Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager, said: "As with any purchase you make you have the right to expect at least a satisfactory standard from your meal. If there is a problem with it then bring it to their attention - it may be something that can be easily resolved right there and then. Waiting until you get home and then realising you have an issue with it is unlikely to resolve anything. The key is to be polite and identify exactly what the problem is at the moment it arises."

There is also advice on service charges, with a reminder that some restaurants will add a service charge automatically.

"This charge should always be made clear to customers before they place their order - usually it will be on the menu," the council added.

When ordering wine, diners are advised to check the name of the wine ordered against the name of wine brought to the table, to ensure that they are not billed for a more expensive wine than they originally requested.

Words: Clare Riley

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