The secret to running a successful restaurant is to understand what customers want - or do not want - and the Good Food Guide has identified diners' ultimate pet hates.
Here's the top 10:
Restaurants being unclear about their charges. There's nothing worse than finding out that basket of bread you gobbled down wasn't for free.
Over-attentive waiting staff. Good service is the most important thing next to the food but there are limits and waiters frequently topping up wine glasses or interrupting conversations can really ruin a meal.
Asking diners to add a tip when a service charge has already been added. A big no no - nobody likes to be charged twice.
Small portion sizes. Sending diners home still hungry will almost certainly guarantee that they won't be back.
Charging for tap water. It's free from the tap so don't be cheeky by charging for it.
Bunched-up tables. Being forced to sit too close to other diners and listen to their conversation can drive anyone nuts.
Asking diners to vacate their table before they're ready to leave. Possibly the ultimate gesture of making someone feel unwelcome that won't result in returning customers.
Out-of-season ingredients on menus. Diners aren't stupid: they know strawberries and asparagus don't grow in January.
Lost in translation. Keep it simple; not everyone knows what sauce aigre-doux or cromesquis means.
Open salt and pepper bowls. They may look cool but they're extremely unhygienic.
Elizabeth Carter, editor of The Good Food Guide, said: "Restaurateurs looking to raise their game this year could do a lot worse than listen to their customers' pet hates. They're often simple mistakes that can be rectified."
Wise words there, Liz.
Leave a comment
What a user pic? Get a Gravatar!