Having recently been very disappointed by the service at The Fire Stables, I would like to invite the restaurant staff to think
about the words
customer service.
Having over 10 years' experience in the
restuarant industry, covering all sections, from KP, silver service waiter,
Cordon Bleu Chef and Restaurant Manager, I was most shocked at the way the
second and third member of staff attended to us.
Our group of six was a big table in the bill sense. Having ordered champagne, wine and other drinks from the bar, we were told that we were restricted to the restaurant menu,
even after we had asked the waitress before we took our table if we could
combine the menus. A fair request in my opinion, if you have sufficient
supplies to service that menu!
The slightly cocky restaurant waitress at The The Fire Stables insisted that the pleasant member of staff was not part of the restaurant establishment and therefore we were only able to order from the main menu, as they are trying to maintain a different standard.
The bar and main menu varied by possibly three items, not a vast difference in standard? On placing our order the kitchen had run out of two of the main courses and some ingredients from other dishes. When I asked what what going on I was told
by the waitress to allow her to finish in the most abrupt tone.
In the end they offered us both menus. The food was mediocre but I can't help think, had the restaurant staff offered a little more pleasant service it could have saved
an embarrassing situation and not tainted a wonderful evening in the company of
great friends.
I'm not sure I would go back to The Fire Stables and I know the power of the Word of
Mouth in restaurant circles.