Thursday, July 18, 2013

A BOWL WITHOUT WATER - A POT OF TEA WITHOUT A CUP

We agreed that it did us good to visit the cafe once in a blue moon, just to remind ourselves why we didn't want to go there regularly, or, make it a meeting point to catch up with friends. It's a pity, because they serve good coffee, really good scones, and large lumps of cake and generous squares of tray bakes they make. The cafe is overlooking a harbour and in fine weather, (or, weather that's warm enough in a brisk breeze) you can sit outdoors at large wooden tables.  Even a dog water bowl is provided as a little welcome for people dropping by with their four legged friends in tow.  But...... for all this, we cannot bring ourselves to enthuse about the place.

Today, on one of our rare visits a delightful waitress attended to our order.  I asked for a glass of water and hubby requested a cold can of flavoured fizz.  The can of drink given, was warm.  As she was going to get some ice at hubby's request, I asked if I could have some ice for my glass of water.  "Of course you can," she replied, then  took my glass saying, "if you want more water, please do ask".

Two glasses reappeared both with ice in them, mine without water"Ooh dear, I'm so sorry," said the waitress,  as she dashed off .

We finished our snack and waited for the next bit of the order.  It did not arrive. I queued up inside the cafe to place the order again and foolishly added to it a slice of banana loaf.  Very eventually, one black coffee and a pot of tea arrived... without a cup.  I stared at the teapot.  Meantime a hapless dog appeared at the foot of the table looking for water in a pretty dry dog bowl.  I understood how he felt.

Whoever cut the slice of banana loaf used the same knife that cut a butter cream blackcurrant concoction. I sent it back and  the cake reappeared looking like it had been wiped.

I think we will give up reminding ourselves why we should not visit the cafe.  We're unlikely ever to be surprised with acceptable service.


16 comments:

David Oliver said...

ZACL, I laughed when I read this. It is funny the way you tell the story even though the experience was not. I can't help but feel most sorry for the dog. At any rate, all of us have been to that restaurant, it just has a different name other places in the world.

ZACL said...

Well, David, the dog did alright because I found a half full pint glass with water left by someone at another table and poured it into the dog bowl. It lapped all of it. It was the one time when staff not collecting the leftovers at a table, was some use.

You hope for something different, just once, when you go to the 'marak'(Scottish brogue word)cafe and come away, a) disillusioned, (polite term) and b) frustrated with their incompetence.

David Oliver said...

That sure was good of you to give the dog some water. I think I was a little flippant about your experience. Your service was really poor and I wonder how the place is staying in business.

Vincent said...

It's a shame because one wants to support independent businesses. If this place were part of a well-known chain, with a name and reputation to maintain, these lapses would be less likely to happen, or if they did, your complaints would be acted upon so that they never happened again - staff dismissed or whatever it took.

Anonymous said...

There really is no excuse for such poor service as it takes very little effort to improve noticeably.
I wonder why it's like that, or if anyone has tried politely pointing out what puts people off. Flighty xx

Anonymous said...

That's pathetic. They need to pull their socks up - and their standards. Pleased you managed to give that poor thirsty dog a drink, however!

ZACL said...

Vincent, you are so right. There has always been a leadership problem with the management not having much sense of organisation in their business. An overall sense of sloppiness prevails and I guess, always will.

The hygiene aspects (cake knives and maybe others) is concerning.

ZACL said...

Hello Mr F,

Many years ago I mentioned that the cafe had a good product with poor management. Nothing changed, except the cafe space increased. The younger generation is now running the place in exactly the same way the older generation did. I do despair.
xx

ZACL said...

Hi Gillyk,

The dog was a sweetie and his people thanked me for finding the water. The dog was perfectly settled after his drink.

As for the place changing in any way positive...don't hold your breath!

ZACL said...

Hi David,

We wonder how the place survives as well. Maybe more local people than we realise are willing to tolerate such experiences. It's a pity as it permeates into other places.

Snowbird said...

Hahahahaha.....I shouldn't laugh as it all sounds really frustrating, for two and four leggeds!!!!xxxx

ZACL said...

Hmm, snowbird, I really don't think there's much else to say here.

The fact there is a dog bowl for water is a sign that that there is consideration of something else other than inefficiently feeding and watering bipeds.

zalandeau said...

L'eau était-elle bonne ???

ZACL said...

Ah bien sur, des fois.

zalandeau said...

I'm "nénesse". Have a good day.

ZACL said...

Oui, je sais j'ai reconnu le stile de ton ecrit.
Salut mon ami!

:)