Working in hospitality you are conditioned into the ‘the customer is always right’ mentality. No request should be too much and no customer should leave unhappy. But despite trying my very hardest to keep guests happy, I’ve seen my fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly. If you want to avoid giving your waiter or waitress a bad shift, consider some of the following tips…
Don’t click at the staff.
Just don’t. Ever.
Do wave if you need to get a member of staff’s attention.
Contrary to popular belief, we really don’t mind a polite wave if you haven’t been able to catch our eye. Halfway through a long shift, as the coffee wears off and my eyes are beginning to blur, I’m actually extremely grateful for it. Just as long as this is not followed by any kind of anger or, God forbid, clicks.
Don’t get annoyed at us if you don’t enjoy your meal.
We are not the chefs. Also, we are probably scared of the chefs. So, please, please, please do not go make us talk to them on your behalf. We will happily refund you the meal if you have a genuine complaint.
Don’t start a fight in the restaurant.
When guests are paying £20+ for a meal, impressions matter. And it is not a good look to have the police running around.
Do ask us for recommendations.
We often work closely with the kitchen staff, and even get free meals sometimes so we know what’s the best stuff on the menu. Likewise, at many restaurants I’ve worked in, I’ve tasted the wines! We aren’t sommeliers but we are fairly knowledgeable.
Do leave a tip!
This is especially true if you’re a big party. Despite the fact that leaving a tip often seems a given, you wouldn’t believe how many tables of ten (or more) I’ve served that have not left tips, despite thanking the waiters and waitresses for going ‘above and beyond’. Although I genuinely appreciate any kind comments, remember there is another way to show your satisfaction.
Don’t try and have sex in the toilets.
Serving staff expect big weddings and birthday events to get a bit rowdy. Especially if there’s a free bar. But sex in the toilets? It’s just awkward. We will see it, we will have to get you out and we will get the bouncer to open the door.
Do make conversation.
After 7 hours on my feet I could really do with a break from talk of pork bellies and diet cokes. Please, give me something to chew on.
Do tell us if there’s something we need to know.
Let us know if you have an allergy, if you don’t like ice in your coke or if you’ve weed on the floor (true story, this really has happened).
Don’t come hangry.
There is the common misconception that prior to going out for a meal one must sacrifice all other meals of the day in order to enjoy it. In fact, I followed the same mentality for a long time. That was, until I realised how hangry this made me. Every minute waiting for food will feel like an eternity if you are in that mind-set.
Do relax!
You are paying for an enjoyable experience, so let the restaurant staff to take care of you. Just relax.
Happy dining!