Show up, speak up … and just be nice. Here is one anonymous server’s advice for a happy meal
Hospitality is currently facing significant challenges due to rising rents and rates, high VAT, increased staffing, produce, and utility costs, alongside various socioeconomic pressures (please, no mention of Bre*it). Consequently, those of us working in this beleaguered industry least need to be mistreated by the very customers we depend on. Yes, that means you, our valued patrons. Here is some guidance on how to avoid frustrating your serving staff.
Turn up …
Before the Covid pandemic, most restaurants hesitated to take card details or charge for late cancellations and no-shows, but that has changed (thankfully). If you purchase a ticket for a football match or concert, you lose money if you fail to attend. Why should restaurants be any different? Moreover, even if we charge a cancellation fee, remember that we still lose out on drink sales and service charges.
… and turn up on time
You might be surprised how many people seem unaware that a restaurant operates as a business like any other. If you book dinner for 7pm and arrive half an hour late, don’t be shocked or, worse, become confrontational when we try to clear the table by 9pm. We have another booking for that table, and inevitably, the next guests will arrive promptly.
Don’t stick your chewing gum under the table
Yes, really. One would hope people outgrow this habit by secondary school, yet I have never worked on a restaurant floor—even Michelin-starred ones—without scraping used gum from beneath tables almost daily. Why not simply ask me for a tissue or, better yet, dispose of it yourself? You wouldn’t do this at home (hopefully), so please don’t do it at my workplace.
Speak up if something’s wrong …
As in all areas of life, mistakes sometimes happen (whether due to us or you is often debatable), so don’t just smile meekly and mumble “fine” when we ask if everything is okay. Hospitality workers are natural people-pleasers; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this challenging profession. We’re more than willing to do our best to correct any issues. Plus, you might even receive a free dish or glass of wine on us (or on our boss, but don’t tell anyone).
… and don’t go online to complain
Don’t stay silent during your visit only to post a negative review on TripAdvisor months later, often after having had one too many drinks, complaining about a dish that isn’t even on the menu anymore.
Be clear about dietary needs
Also known as improving your communication skills. There’s a reason we ask “Any dietaries?” when you book (we don’t want you to have an allergic reaction, as that’s bad for everyone involved). We don’t possess a magical, endless pantry that can instantly cater to every dietary requirement. Just as you wouldn’t expect a vegetarian restaurant to cook you a steak, don’t expect us to create a bespoke vegan, gluten-free, pulse-intolerant, mushroom-averse meal on the spot.
Stand by your request
If, for example, you ask for your steak well done, don’t blame the chef if it turns out tough. That responsibility lies entirely with you.
Leave the clearing-up to me
Believe it or not, clearing a table is an art that can be disrupted if, for instance, you hand me your empty plates or pile everyone’s dirty cutlery on the same tray. Yes, I appreciate your intention to help, but you’re actually making the process harder.
Don’t dissect the bill at the table
Few things are more uncomfortable than watching adults argue over who ate how many olives or slices of bread, then dispute their fair share of the bill. Please stop. You’re embarrassing yourself—and me. This also applies to larger groups who cannot simply split the bill and settle among themselves later, instead wasting time and mine performing complex calculations on the spot, often while tipsy.
Above all, don’t be rude
I will never understand why some people think being obnoxious is the best way to get what they want. If you are disrespectful, raise your voice, or treat me like a servant, do you honestly expect me to go out of my way to ensure you have a good time?
