Over here few places add a service charge. Seems to be increasing as a trend. Restaurants usually add one for large groups and it is printed on the menu. However the "machines" (debit card machines) come up with several tip amounts on the screens. No tip is fortunately one of them. I tip in cash if I have it on me, else the machine. However I tip what I want. The better the service, the better the tip.
This was a really good video and very interesting indeed. More of this type of thing please, testing out these chains and high end places for service. Good stuff 👍
I never pay the service charge, unless the staff do their job really well. But most only do the bare minimum. Stuff em. They screw you for enough money anyway.
I visited a kebab shop tonight and the Indian guy there couldn't have been nicer. Thanked me on arrival for choosing the place and on leaving again thanked me for my custom. In between, he advised which sauces would work best with the kebabs I'd chosen and asked how I handled heat because a couple of the sauces were very spicy. Also told me truthfully he wouldn't recommend falafel for a friend who's gluten intolerant because it was bought in and he couldn't guarantee it wasn't exposed to gluten during the manufacturing process. He liked what he was doing and obviously liked people. I'll be going back.
@@griswald7156 agreed, I'm in kitchen work and my hours and wages equate to minimum wage because I'm contracted. It's a good job I never meet the customers face to face because I am not licking arse for my shitty wage. I enjoy serving good food, that's it.
@victorymansions I be worked in a kitchen and I know you suffer..the hierarchy in a kitchen is tough to take., but if you’ve no options you do it..I’ve had a manager kick me then laugh..
Pathetic…….all style and no substance ……..but doesn’t that sum up the whole world now anyway. I live in the countryside in Yorkshire and when I go into a town or city now,I take a rucksack with food and drink and sit in a quiet park. I am no skinflint, but these modern day ridiculous prices? NO THANKS . Especially foreign owned,because as someone else remarked, most of them hate us anyway. Racism??? THEY invented it .
Darren They advertise open at 7 then mug you off til 8:10 The service was appalling and the coffee dangerously hot But you gave it a fair review The server at the end appears unfazed by you asking for the service charge to be removed Please do more of these and expose the shambolic level of service in this country Well done
Look brother I’m Greek born in England I’m 45 years old my mum and dad had a chippy for years all my family had chippys trust me they had bad manners the one thing my dad told me a smile and respect is what brings people back not just good food
Oh my gosh... that was so bad!! The complete lack of service mixed with the price definitely showed it wasn't worth it. Good on you fir telling her to remove the service charge. The fact she didn't bother to ask about that or apologise for the experience you had spoke volumes really. You are definitely not being finicky, service and hospitality is clearly on the decline or non existent in some cases. I think its brilliant you are shining a light on this. Love your open and honest reviews. Keep them coming!
Removing the service charge only hurts the minimum wage worker, not the company who has inadequately trained them. Brexit has made service quality in this country slip, and we will only get it back by training, or rejoining the the EU.
@@KaraokeDave If you like EU so much why don't you move to spain? What's brexit got to do with miserable service? Do you mean European workers over here are much friendlier?
@@jonnamechange6854 before Brexit we had more European workers, unsurprisingly. They had to be replaced with Indian and other non-EU workers where standards are different. Not worse necessarily, but different. You can see it with your own eyes if you look. I work in the industry, I've seen it all unfold. This video is a perfect example. Before Brexit these two would have not worked here. Brexit has given them that chance, and I can't blame them for taking it.
The way she snatched the bill out your hand Darren!!!! No you are not getting too finicky at all mate, glad you told them to take off the service charge!
Might be a good idea to send a copy of this to their head office. Lying about when they open and the shocking service you were given. Keep up the good work Darren. 😊
Flipping Heck Darren, you're last post Fish n chips super good this one Why. You do put yourself through it for us.😂 I think Cafe concerto should loose 5 letters and just be Cafe Con.😂❤
I agree with you really bad service , no your not being finiky ,your doing honest reviews , the good and the bad , not living in london we have no idea of how things are ,this really helps people who pay a visit to your area. Doing a great job ,keep it up x
How rude was she. Disgraceful price. Daylight robbery from a tourist trap. No wonder its empty. Shame you have to pay for this rubbish but it saves the rest of us bothering. Thanks DJ
WOW.! That server at the end was horrible, so glad you caught that on camera, it's such a good idea going forward because explaining something like this does not show how bad it actually is.
Loving this new complete review format and with the two cameras DJ, the subscribers are creeping up as well. What ignorant staff, they should not be working in hospitality or anywhere where the general public is concerned.
Appreciating these videos Darren, a far more objective approach to food reviewing and importantly giving us, the potential customer, fair warning of where or .. where NOT to spend our hard earned cash. Noticing the dropping standards in hospitality everywhere sadly, it’s like they can’t be bothered but it’s they who are losing out on their own income. Everyone knows how important tips are to waiting staff … you’d have thought they’d try just a little bit even? 😵💫
Top bloke DJ getting the service charge taken off 👏. I've worked in the retail service industry for over 47 years and basic manors and going the extra mile is basics. They clearly have the wrong people in the job, extortionate price that like 😮
Darren until we all fight back and refuse to pay for service that was never there, nothing will be done. Until business is hurt financially managers don't care, its basic stuff, but as i say until we change our habits its not going to change. Keep up the good work though fella, hops your tongue is Ok!!
Agree Darren, Unfortunately because I don't get out to eat anymore looking after my Mom, housebound and not in the best of health its nice to see your videos. I am in Manchester and ok I may be speaking out of turn its trying to be London. Bear with me, people think you guys are rolling in cash, do they look at rents, property prices food everything etc. Its crazy. I feel sorry for people down South its tough ok I am not political at all. You have 10 million people Manchester has less than a million 😂. I also feel sorry for foreign visitors who get ripped off etc. Don't get me started. Standards are shot to pieces. Courtesy costs nothing. The head of venues and bars keeps moaning about no support for these types of business bla bla. Ok covid etc. What is the phrase build it and they will come, yes but provide service manners and ffs(sorry) sell your wares with enthusiasm. Cheers Jonathan
Oh Darren your so right with all this one.. I loved it when you asked them to remove the service charge, too right the miserable gits.. Nice one mate show what's going on in the trade.. 😉👍🏻
The worst part is that they don't even know they are being rude and unprofessional. This is the way of the world now. Basic manners and courtesy... nah. Uneducated.
That was extremely poor customer service, cold and contempt. I would have no hesitation, in raising a formal complaint to their head office. That waitress, almost treated you like dirt, she showed no respect whatsoever, she’s obviously in the wrong job?
@@philipmckeon8944 100% agree. As often as possible, I go to places on recommendations, and even then I like to observe & get a feel for what I'm considering handing my hard earned over to. I think the clue was in the failure to open at 7am and then failure to open at 8am. Customer service is essential for a business to thrive. I would not have rewarded them by going there. Pleased he did though. It was educational.
Absolutely agree with you that you had no service. Those three servers gave nothing of their humanity; they might as well have been robots; perhaps the last was the worst. When it comes to hospitality, little thing MEAN A ALOT. Bless!
I've been a waiter (a good one!) and quickly observed that some people simply don't have the capacity to do that job. This is not something that will improve with time or training, it's just a mismatch of the core person to the requirements of the job. For the sake of both customers and servers, these people should be replaced as soon as this is noticed (which I guarantee you will be shortly after they have started). No shade on these people, they might be delightful and have the ability to succeed at other jobs ... just not this one as it takes a very particular skill set.
Good Evening DJ. I was watching your video very closely, straight away, I did pick up from the Food and Beverage Server, No engagement, bad Attitude, No rapport with yourself. It does not matter about the Location of the Establishment. You are a Customer and You pay there wages. You are Important to there Business and Hopefully repeat Custom for them. But, from what I could see, just two slices of toast and a little bit of sliced up fruit with chocolate sauce. A very Scalding Hot Glass of milky Coffee. Over Priced Food and Drink, and really Pretentious and No Hospitality what so ever. Customer Service, there was absolutely 0%. Thank you DJ, for Sharing your Honest and showing us what it is like now at certain Restaurants and Cafe's. It really does put off, going out and Treating yourself.
In a decent Spanish bar the "camarero" will hold two jugs; one hot milk, one cold and ask how you want it. Caliente (hot) does not mean scalding and the milk does not drown the coffee as in a latte in the UK. Wanting a Spanish type coffee I ask for a flat white which comes with double the coffee and less milk, and the classic "cortado" is now being sold by Cafe Nero and some restaurants where you get just a little milk. In Paris a Cafe au lait will cost heaven and earth because only tourists ask for it but if you ask for a "noisette" you will get a Spanish type cortado and a smile from the waiter and you will pay a fraction of the price of an au lait.
People often say that Copenhagen is expensive, but in Denmark the VAT sales tax is always included in the price in advance and there are also no unpleasant service charge surprise, because we do not have such a thing, just like no tip is expected. So the listed price you see, is also the price you end up paying.
Sales tax (VAT) is always included in the UK and there is no compulsory requirement to leave a tip. If it's been included on the bill, just deduct it and pay the subtotal. Leave a cash tip if you wish.
@@Lily_The_Pink972 .. Yet at around 12: 45 minutes into this vid, you are told that the VAT sales tax was added on top of the listed price in the bill, though he "escaped" paying the service charge.
@agffans5725 Yes, he did say that, but he means it's itemised on the bill but not charged on top of the advertised price. So 6.99 for coffee includes Value Added Tax, but not a service charge. It's itemised seperately to help people do their accounts as businesses and the self employed can claim VAT back. He hasn't made that very clear. Any advertised price in the UK always includes VAT. Certain items are exempt from VAT.
@@Lily_The_Pink972 .. Actually he clearly stated the price he paid for each item and then said that there is VAT on top of that. I looked it up, and the listed price is now actually £1 lower for each item than the price he mentioned he paid before VAT, so the French toast with Nutella, strawberry and banana is now listed at £15.95 and the Spanish Latte 5.95, so he clearly ended up paying more than the listed price.
🤔hmmm... Just stating the obvious here... There doesn't appear to be any other clients! 😮 Will they just keep on putting up their prices to cover the costs? ... Just carry on treating the occasional client without any attempt at hospitality, until there are no more clients coming, go bankrupt and close up, cry a bit, and then go looking for another job? 🤯🥳
Brioche French toast in Claidges £24. Coffee £9.50. A few quid more but it would have been a whole different world in class and quality. A full English with toast and coffee etc £45. No comparison mate. Go there next time!! At least the staff have been trained in hospitality - and can speak English. You are not asking for too much - I keep clear and would rather stump up the extra for the service. Can also recommend the Waldorf (Hilton) in Aldwych. Had a very pleasant stay there last week. Staff couldn’t do enough.
I agree with you, but do resent that the middle class is being pushed into the lower class. Society is regressing on a very fundamental level. It's scary!
When I dine out, I’m not looking for chitchat with the staff. I’m polite to them and usually they’re polite to me. I don’t need them to be “big personalities”. I’m paying for food and a nice relaxing indoors or outdoors atmosphere….without having to gauge how much “the service” is worth…on top of an often already hefty charge for the actual food. 🤷🏻♀️ If they’re rude, I’d want money taken off the bill.😂😂😂
Excellent idea DJ to review the whole experience and not just the food. Your wry acceptance of this experience made me giggle - but seriously - what an absolute rip off for a bit of bread and fruit and a beverage that injured you. My mum always said that there is no excuse for bad manners. Do these people even realise that it is the customers who are paying their wages. x
She didn't even ask why the service charge was removed. This is the reality of hospitality in London now, if you don't tip with cash the establishment keeps all the money. It's effectively a surcharge. I had a situation in a pub where I tipped cash, and the look on the waiter's face said it all. They really don't benefit from tips paid electronically.
I can better that. I went to a self service all you can eat buffet restaurant last week. I say again you serve yourself and they added a service charge!! How on earth can that be. I questioned it and the member of staff said oh well sir we remove the empty plates and the cooks refill the food on the buffet. I said a five year old could remove the empty plates and i am not responsible for staff refilling the food. The guy said do you want me to remove the service charge? I said of course i do. I have never heard anything like it a service charge when you serve yourself. Perhaps i should give myself the tip. He removed it with a look on his face as if he had eaten six lemons. Needless to say i have crossed that place of my list.
Darren, in my opinion you are now doing your best work. Being honest and sounding out these disgraceful rip-off businesses who are providing average food and charging a fortune for it is even more important than highlighting the good ones. Both types of reviews are very informative and entertaining but I just find it so interesting when you stumble across a poor establishment and call it out as you should….you owe it to your followers not to gloss over bad, expensive food and sub-standard service. To add insult to injury at this place, they are employing unfriendly ignorant staff who have not got the first clue about hospitality, manners, customer service and common decency. In fact from the evidence in your video I would even go as far as to say they had a look of hatred on their faces…especially the female staff member who was pig ignorant. I used to visit Caffe Concerto regularly (but not for a few years now) and I remember being welcomed by very friendly Italian waiters who made me so welcome and couldn’t do enough for me. Something has gone badly wrong with that business and you have done wonderful work to demonstrate that. Hopefully you have prevented other people wasting their money…me being one, I will never eat there again 👍👏👌⭐️
Yes, I do enjoy the content, that's why I'm now a happy subscriber. That surly face the 'waitress' had when you asked to remove the service charge was priceless, not from having to deal with a dissatisfied customer but the inconvenience to HER of having to press a few more keys on the PDQ machine, shocking! I've been a car salesman for more than 40 years (yes, I'm past retirement age now!) but still working and loving every minute! Last 5 years I'e been working at a (very) large car supermarket based in North London, if I didn't provide enthusiastic, quality service it would result in: #1: wouldn't earn any money, #2: really wouldn't enjoy it, and of course, #3: I would be out on my arse! More power to you DJ!
Darren I am pleased that you are going to now do reviews that include the service. I’ve been following you for a few years and I know you’ve been reluctant in the past to criticize when you get poor service, even if the food was good. Service to me is part of the overall experience and is what you are paying for. And I also believe restaurants should value and appreciate honest feedback, because how will they ever know that they are failing their clients unless we tell them. Keep up the good work!
My theory is that this rudeness is a spin off from social media. Most people in customer facing hospitality are young and they treat real world social interactions like they treat online ones. Are they interested in you? No, because you are old and therefore basically you are invisible. Watch young staff interacting with people of their own age and even more so the opposite sex. Charming. But if they don’t want to ‘friend you’ they mentally swipe left.
Loving the reviews Darren. We had afternoon tea there last year and the service hasn’t improved by the look of it. It was one of the most expensive afternoon teas I’ve had, every cup of tea and coffee was changed extra. Would not recommend it for the cost or service.
What has happened to customer service!!! that woman wow!!! would not want to be her enemy. and the man was no better,. Disgusting service so glad you removed the service charge. You should have complained about the coffee that's horrendous . Thankyou for informing us of not wasting our money and time going there. Very gloomy!!!
I’ve actually walked out of a restaurant within the first 10 minutes if the server is rude, or not communicative. I understand you reviewed this place, but I’ll admit if I was with you, I’d say ‘come on let’s go’ lol!! New to you channel, love your reviews 😀😀
Here in Canada a lot of the restaurants are pricing themselves out of business. Most seniors on fixed income can't afford to go out for a meal anymore. Too many restaurants are advertising fine dining ad charging ridiculous prices with no customers wwhen they could be serving reasonably priced home cooked style food that doesn't leave the customer still hungrywwhen they leave. Prices are too high and the portion sizes are too small at most places. For example chicken wings at most pizza places are about $8/lb but when the same wings are being sold at a restaurant the price soars to $18/lb. A little profit is understandable but that is price gouging at its worst and that doesn't include the tax and tip.
Why the heck are you getting such a bad run Darren. Jaysis! I would refuse to pay. I did that abroad once. However. It adds so much to your content which I love. Great idea by the way to have the two cameras and judge the whole experience. Thanks 👍
Your bang on with the service ,or lack of it .Intresting about the coffee temp .My son has just bought a Sage Smart ketle ..and that gives you a few options of buttons to press for the temp to be set to whatever drink you make. Coffee has it,s own buttons at a reduced heat .
Been there, DJ, the food was good, but the service was horrible. I have observed the same as you lately and I am we're going to end up with a heck of lot of waiters/waitresses without manners. It's a shame because good service is part of the experience.
Video's like this is why I never go to big city restaurants or fancy expensive cafes. I once called a waitress out for being rude and snooty with me when I was trying to be polite. I'm glad I live in a small town mostly run by family owned businesses. The people at my local cafe I go to regularly are so friendly and always make conversation with the customers. Such a huge difference compared to the snooty folk at this place.
I totally agree with you Darren I wouldn't have paid the service charge either I properly wouldn't have gone back when they said we aren't open till 8 lol 😂
I was always brought up to say please and thank you .... and say sorry which is so hard to many these days .... keep up the good work DJ on these reviews, we need old school normality ❤
Ooh that was cold. I would have felt rather unwelcome as a customer. Better off at a down to earth greasy spoon.Thanks for trying all these places out.
Daren coffee should never be hot like tea,baristas would tell us. And to serve it boiling in a container which doesn’t feel hot to the touch is ridiculous
Omg absolutely ridiculous prices! And miserable/terrible staff! And I have to confess I've never heard of that coffee chain, but after that I don't feel like I'm missing out!😂😂😂
10/10 Darren for refusing to pay the service charge!
If you want to leave a tip that should be up to you the customer, not the business.!
Over here few places add a service charge. Seems to be increasing as a trend. Restaurants usually add one for large groups and it is printed on the menu. However the "machines" (debit card machines) come up with several tip amounts on the screens. No tip is fortunately one of them. I tip in cash if I have it on me, else the machine. However I tip what I want. The better the service, the better the tip.
I didn't even know the service charge was optional.
The obvious side effect of Brexit. European hospitality staff replaced by Indians. Everywhere service is going downhill.
This was a really good video and very interesting indeed. More of this type of thing please, testing out these chains and high end places for service. Good stuff 👍
I never pay the service charge, unless the staff do their job really well. But most only do the bare minimum. Stuff em. They screw you for enough money anyway.
At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask. Criminal.
I can guarantee I will NEVER go to one of these places. Anyone who even thinks about spending that kind of money there is an absolute mug
Let's face it, you wouldn't have gone there anyway.
I visited a kebab shop tonight and the Indian guy there couldn't have been nicer. Thanked me on arrival for choosing the place and on leaving again thanked me for my custom.
In between, he advised which sauces would work best with the kebabs I'd chosen and asked how I handled heat because a couple of the sauces were very spicy. Also told me truthfully he wouldn't recommend falafel for a friend who's gluten intolerant because it was bought in and he couldn't guarantee it wasn't exposed to gluten during the manufacturing process.
He liked what he was doing and obviously liked people. I'll be going back.
Jesus, that woman who came round with your bill, looks like she lost a fiver and found a penny.
Lol
Hate people working in the service industry who clearly dislike serving 😮😮😮
Agreed
Minimum wage dosent make you carefree and happy….youll see happier slaves..
@@griswald7156 agreed, I'm in kitchen work and my hours and wages equate to minimum wage because I'm contracted. It's a good job I never meet the customers face to face because I am not licking arse for my shitty wage. I enjoy serving good food, that's it.
@victorymansions I be worked in a kitchen and I know you suffer..the hierarchy in a kitchen is tough to take., but if you’ve no options you do it..I’ve had a manager kick me then laugh..
Pathetic…….all style and no substance ……..but doesn’t that sum up the whole world now anyway. I live in the countryside in Yorkshire and when I go into a town or city now,I take a rucksack with food and drink and sit in a quiet park. I am no skinflint, but these modern day ridiculous prices? NO THANKS . Especially foreign owned,because as someone else remarked, most of them hate us anyway. Racism??? THEY invented it .
Terrible attitude from the server. Unfriendly and arrogant.
That waitress should be FIRED. Zero charm, zero engagement, zero personality, she'd put off people/customers from going there or returning.
Darren
They advertise open at 7 then mug you off til 8:10
The service was appalling and the coffee dangerously hot
But you gave it a fair review
The server at the end appears unfazed by you asking for the service charge to be removed
Please do more of these and expose the shambolic level of service in this country
Well done
Agree
The waiter did acknowledge you and he smiled and nodded ,this is a thankyou ,that was obvious ,why are finding faults
@@MattygroovesYes, he did
Ah, but the politicians would have you believe the country would crumble without these immigrant service industry workers.
Website says 8am.
Look brother I’m Greek born in England I’m 45 years old my mum and dad had a chippy for years all my family had chippys trust me they had bad manners the one thing my dad told me a smile and respect is what brings people back not just good food
Look at the face on the waitress with the card machine it was pure contempt
The woman server is definitely in the wrong job. Zero personality
She is in the wrong country
As we say in. Australia, personality of a blowfly.
They could have dipped her face in a bucket of water if they ran out of lemon juice.
It does not matter whether you are serving a pair of socks or a meal you should be polite and willing to be pleasant to the customer.
Agreed
Microwaved coffee i suspect 😅...I rarely eat out anymore because of the overpriced crap that is served up.
Get yourself to family/locally run/owed places.....100% better than the shite in this vid.
Because the uk has put up prices and you can’t even afford a humble fish and chips 😂
@@pingu8666 go one then, tell us what are our worries ?
@@pingu8666 sheep
🐑🐑🐑🐑
Go to decent places then, find where they are, there are amazing places out there
The so called 'service' was absolutely disgraceful. Well done for calling it out 👏
The look of contempt she gave. That’s not how to welcome people into your establishment. It’s almost as if she hated you. Most unwelcoming.
She does…I assure you!
Shocking customer service.They obviously don't value their customers. So wrong.I wouldn't have paid the service charge too.
Hey up mate there's no reason for rudeness
Everyone should just refuse to pay a service charge full stop.
typical foreigners.....prob on full benefits fiddling and contempt for darren....VOTE FARAGE
Why would they value their customers, they just get tourists that come once. So they don’t care, max price minimum service.
Oh my gosh... that was so bad!! The complete lack of service mixed with the price definitely showed it wasn't worth it. Good on you fir telling her to remove the service charge. The fact she didn't bother to ask about that or apologise for the experience you had spoke volumes really. You are definitely not being finicky, service and hospitality is clearly on the decline or non existent in some cases. I think its brilliant you are shining a light on this. Love your open and honest reviews. Keep them coming!
Shocking huh
No response to service charge pretty much says it all mate as she didn't even care to know way
Removing the service charge only hurts the minimum wage worker, not the company who has inadequately trained them.
Brexit has made service quality in this country slip, and we will only get it back by training, or rejoining the the EU.
@@KaraokeDave If you like EU so much why don't you move to spain? What's brexit got to do with miserable service? Do you mean European workers over here are much friendlier?
@@jonnamechange6854 before Brexit we had more European workers, unsurprisingly. They had to be replaced with Indian and other non-EU workers where standards are different. Not worse necessarily, but different. You can see it with your own eyes if you look. I work in the industry, I've seen it all unfold.
This video is a perfect example. Before Brexit these two would have not worked here. Brexit has given them that chance, and I can't blame them for taking it.
My wife and I had this revelation about demanding good service recently. It's a disgrace how poor hospitality has become in this country
Brexit.
@@KaraokeDave THIS!!!
@@KaraokeDave..It rained today ..Brexit .
Burning hot drinks/food is usually a sure sign that it was microwaved.
Once you go microwave for hot drinks you can't go back. It does work but you have to know your settings
The way she snatched the bill out your hand Darren!!!! No you are not getting too finicky at all mate, glad you told them to take off the service charge!
Might be a good idea to send a copy of this to their head office. Lying about when they open and the shocking service you were given. Keep up the good work Darren. 😊
They don't care,places are always full later on,tourists n Arabs ,like many places give all the bad reviews you like people still go
Clearly rude, unprofessional staff. I wonder where the manager was❓What a waste of money. They do not deserve to be in business‼️
Bloody disgusting service would never go into @CaffeConcerto after watching that.
I had to laugh when you said to the waitress "I didn't get any" (meaning service charge) and she didn't even catch the shade you were throwing 😂 😂
Flipping Heck Darren, you're last post Fish n chips super good this one Why. You do put yourself through it for us.😂 I think Cafe concerto should loose 5 letters and just be Cafe Con.😂❤
Cafe Con uno 😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for sharing Darren, the sour faced person who took your payment said it all 🤣
I agree with you really bad service , no your not being finiky ,your doing honest reviews , the good and the bad , not living in london we have no idea of how things are ,this really helps people who pay a visit to your area. Doing a great job ,keep it up x
She looked a happy soul
!!.........not.
What a surly waitress
How rude was she. Disgraceful price. Daylight robbery from a tourist trap. No wonder its empty. Shame you have to pay for this rubbish but it saves the rest of us bothering. Thanks DJ
Hell yes. She had a face on her like a bag of chisels . They most certainly know how to have your pants right down around ankles at that place.
WOW.! That server at the end was horrible, so glad you caught that on camera, it's such a good idea going forward because explaining something like this does not show how bad it actually is.
What a cheek adding a service charge, more front than Brighton
They all seem to now in London
This is a tourist clip joint. No Londoners would eat there.
No, they have branches all across the UK
Stumbled across this channel and watched a few and enjoy your honest approach, subscribed
Thanks and welcome
Loving this new complete review format and with the two cameras DJ, the subscribers are creeping up as well. What ignorant staff, they should not be working in hospitality or anywhere where the general public is concerned.
Great to see you are calling out the poor service,food and disgraceful prices now mate.
In my day it was always ‘The customer comes first’! That old gesture of professionalism has without doubt gone out of the window!!!!
I think the bigger issue than the manners of the table staff is what goes on in the kitchen in terms of cleanliness...
The way she snatched that receipt out of your hand 😂. Worse service ive seen
11:39 The look on bin bags face. Looks like she is chewing on a wasp, doesn’t even say anything
Chains seem to be soulless, nothing warranted the value you paid
Appreciating these videos Darren, a far more objective approach to food reviewing and importantly giving us, the potential customer, fair warning of where or .. where NOT to spend our hard earned cash.
Noticing the dropping standards in hospitality everywhere sadly, it’s like they can’t be bothered but it’s they who are losing out on their own income. Everyone knows how important tips are to waiting staff … you’d have thought they’d try just a little bit even? 😵💫
Top bloke DJ getting the service charge taken off 👏. I've worked in the retail service industry for over 47 years and basic manors and going the extra mile is basics. They clearly have the wrong people in the job, extortionate price that like 😮
Darren until we all fight back and refuse to pay for service that was never there, nothing will be done. Until business is hurt financially managers don't care, its basic stuff, but as i say until we change our habits its not going to change. Keep up the good work though fella, hops your tongue is Ok!!
That's why you paid £17.00 for a couple of slices.
My motto is this. Always be polite and accommodating!
Agree Darren, Unfortunately because I don't get out to eat anymore looking after my Mom, housebound and not in the best of health its nice to see your videos.
I am in Manchester and ok I may be speaking out of turn its trying to be London.
Bear with me, people think you guys are rolling in cash, do they look at rents, property prices food everything etc.
Its crazy.
I feel sorry for people down South its tough ok I am not political at all.
You have 10 million people Manchester has less than a million 😂.
I also feel sorry for foreign visitors who get ripped off etc.
Don't get me started.
Standards are shot to pieces.
Courtesy costs nothing.
The head of venues and bars keeps moaning about no support for these types of business bla bla.
Ok covid etc.
What is the phrase build it and they will come, yes but provide service manners and ffs(sorry) sell your wares with enthusiasm.
Cheers Jonathan
Caffé Concerto is not at all ‘posh.’ It’s just another chain, with rip-off prices and third rate service, from indifferent waiting staff.
Oh Darren your so right with all this one.. I loved it when you asked them to remove the service charge, too right the miserable gits.. Nice one mate show what's going on in the trade.. 😉👍🏻
Stick to what you know, DJ. Small family run side street outlets. They respect your custom. Thanks for taking us along. Appreciated
Boycott Cafe Concerto everyone
The worst part is that they don't even know they are being rude and unprofessional. This is the way of the world now. Basic manners and courtesy... nah. Uneducated.
That was extremely poor customer service, cold and contempt. I would have no hesitation, in raising a formal complaint to their head office.
That waitress, almost treated you like dirt, she showed no respect whatsoever, she’s obviously in the wrong job?
I know you hate my kind of comment lol . BUT ... wow what a waste of hard earned money . I'd have refused to pay that price
By not going in, or refusing to pay?!
Totally agree. But. Showing us this side of a total rip off is also good content. Well, for me I feel. 👍
@@philipmckeon8944 100% agree. As often as possible, I go to places on recommendations, and even then I like to observe & get a feel for what I'm considering handing my hard earned over to.
I think the clue was in the failure to open at 7am and then failure to open at 8am. Customer service is essential for a business to thrive. I would not have rewarded them by going there. Pleased he did though. It was educational.
Absolutely agree with you that you had no service. Those three servers gave nothing of their humanity; they might as well have been robots; perhaps the last was the worst. When it comes to hospitality, little thing MEAN A ALOT. Bless!
Some establishments do not care about the customer experience. Great review.
I've been a waiter (a good one!) and quickly observed that some people simply don't have the capacity to do that job. This is not something that will improve with time or training, it's just a mismatch of the core person to the requirements of the job. For the sake of both customers and servers, these people should be replaced as soon as this is noticed (which I guarantee you will be shortly after they have started). No shade on these people, they might be delightful and have the ability to succeed at other jobs ... just not this one as it takes a very particular skill set.
Don’t rely on repeat business so don’t care otherwise they’d be closed down
Yeah, this is it. Concerto cafe are the Angus Steakhouse of the Cafe world in London. Neither care about repeat business just gullible tourists. 👎
Good Evening DJ. I was watching your video very closely, straight away, I did pick up from the Food and Beverage Server, No engagement, bad Attitude, No rapport with yourself. It does not matter about the Location of the Establishment. You are a Customer and You pay there wages. You are Important to there Business and Hopefully repeat Custom for them. But, from what I could see, just two slices of toast and a little bit of sliced up fruit with chocolate sauce. A very Scalding Hot Glass of milky Coffee. Over Priced Food and Drink, and really Pretentious and No Hospitality what so ever. Customer Service, there was absolutely 0%. Thank you DJ, for Sharing your Honest and showing us what it is like now at certain Restaurants and Cafe's. It really does put off, going out and Treating yourself.
Like your honest reviews.No wonder so many places are closing.
The country needs more reviews like yours. Well done and thank you for educating these rip off establishments.
RUclips dont agree
Darren your content is getting better and better first class I look forward to everyone you upload
In a decent Spanish bar the "camarero" will hold two jugs; one hot milk, one cold and ask how you want it. Caliente (hot) does not mean scalding and the milk does not drown the coffee as in a latte in the UK. Wanting a Spanish type coffee I ask for a flat white which comes with double the coffee and less milk, and the classic "cortado" is now being sold by Cafe Nero and some restaurants where you get just a little milk. In Paris a Cafe au lait will cost heaven and earth because only tourists ask for it but if you ask for a "noisette" you will get a Spanish type cortado and a smile from the waiter and you will pay a fraction of the price of an au lait.
The woman that gave you the bill looked happy didn’t she 😄 it must be hard to get out of bed for some people 😞
For me, it depends on who I'm in bed with. 😉
People often say that Copenhagen is expensive, but in Denmark the VAT sales tax is always included in the price in advance and there are also no unpleasant service charge surprise, because we do not have such a thing, just like no tip is expected. So the listed price you see, is also the price you end up paying.
Sales tax (VAT) is always included in the UK and there is no compulsory requirement to leave a tip. If it's been included on the bill, just deduct it and pay the subtotal. Leave a cash tip if you wish.
@@Lily_The_Pink972 .. Yet at around 12: 45 minutes into this vid, you are told that the VAT sales tax was added on top of the listed price in the bill, though he "escaped" paying the service charge.
@agffans5725 Yes, he did say that, but he means it's itemised on the bill but not charged on top of the advertised price. So 6.99 for coffee includes Value Added Tax, but not a service charge. It's itemised seperately to help people do their accounts as businesses and the self employed can claim VAT back. He hasn't made that very clear. Any advertised price in the UK always includes VAT. Certain items are exempt from VAT.
@@Lily_The_Pink972 .. Actually he clearly stated the price he paid for each item and then said that there is VAT on top of that. I looked it up, and the listed price is now actually £1 lower for each item than the price he mentioned he paid before VAT, so the French toast with Nutella, strawberry and banana is now listed at £15.95 and the Spanish Latte 5.95, so he clearly ended up paying more than the listed price.
You can understand why every other table around you is empty, good grief 😮
You can tell the 'type' of people on service showing absolute disdain, so fing obvious, so happy you did not pay their shitty service charge.
Good video! Sorry for your bad experience.
🤔hmmm... Just stating the obvious here... There doesn't appear to be any other clients! 😮
Will they just keep on putting up their prices to cover the costs? ... Just carry on treating the
occasional client without any attempt at hospitality, until there are no more clients coming,
go bankrupt and close up, cry a bit, and then go looking for another job? 🤯🥳
Wow! Shocking service and ridiculous price. One to avoid.
Brioche French toast in Claidges £24. Coffee £9.50. A few quid more but it would have been a whole different world in class and quality. A full English with toast and coffee etc £45. No comparison mate. Go there next time!! At least the staff have been trained in hospitality - and can speak English. You are not asking for too much - I keep clear and would rather stump up the extra for the service. Can also recommend the Waldorf (Hilton) in Aldwych. Had a very pleasant stay there last week. Staff couldn’t do enough.
I agree with you, but do resent that the middle class is being pushed into the lower class. Society is regressing on a very fundamental level. It's scary!
Eating out has become ridiculously expensive and unenjoyable. Very bad choice of establishment. All glitz, no substance.
good man darren not paying service charge because truth being told you never got any unbeleaveable like the new format keep it up my friend
Service charge for that it’s toast
£27 for that 😂😂London is an absolute joke
That would cost you about £8 where I’m from
good video though
When I dine out, I’m not looking for chitchat with the staff. I’m polite to them and usually they’re polite to me. I don’t need them to be “big personalities”. I’m paying for food and a nice relaxing indoors or outdoors atmosphere….without having to gauge how much “the service” is worth…on top of an often already hefty charge for the actual food. 🤷🏻♀️ If they’re rude, I’d want money taken off the bill.😂😂😂
Excellent idea DJ to review the whole experience and not just the food. Your wry acceptance of this experience made me giggle - but seriously - what an absolute rip off for a bit of bread and fruit and a beverage that injured you. My mum always said that there is no excuse for bad manners. Do these people even realise that it is the customers who are paying their wages. x
🙏🏼🙂👍🏼
She didn't even ask why the service charge was removed. This is the reality of hospitality in London now, if you don't tip with cash the establishment keeps all the money. It's effectively a surcharge. I had a situation in a pub where I tipped cash, and the look on the waiter's face said it all. They really don't benefit from tips paid electronically.
I can better that. I went to a self service all you can eat buffet restaurant last week. I say again you serve yourself and they added a service charge!! How on earth can that be. I questioned it and the member of staff said oh well sir we remove the empty plates and the cooks refill the food on the buffet. I said a five year old could remove the empty plates and i am not responsible for staff refilling the food. The guy said do you want me to remove the service charge? I said of course i do. I have never heard anything like it a service charge when you serve yourself. Perhaps i should give myself the tip. He removed it with a look on his face as if he had eaten six lemons. Needless to say i have crossed that place of my list.
Just watched this, that woman at the end! Couldn’t even crack her face! I almost cheered when you said take the service charge off 👏👏👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳👏👏👏⭐️👏
Darren, in my opinion you are now doing your best work. Being honest and sounding out these disgraceful rip-off businesses who are providing average food and charging a fortune for it is even more important than highlighting the good ones. Both types of reviews are very informative and entertaining but I just find it so interesting when you stumble across a poor establishment and call it out as you should….you owe it to your followers not to gloss over bad, expensive food and sub-standard service. To add insult to injury at this place, they are employing unfriendly ignorant staff who have not got the first clue about hospitality, manners, customer service and common decency. In fact from the evidence in your video I would even go as far as to say they had a look of hatred on their faces…especially the female staff member who was pig ignorant. I used to visit Caffe Concerto regularly (but not for a few years now) and I remember being welcomed by very friendly Italian waiters who made me so welcome and couldn’t do enough for me. Something has gone badly wrong with that business and you have done wonderful work to demonstrate that. Hopefully you have prevented other people wasting their money…me being one, I will never eat there again 👍👏👌⭐️
Thank you for sharing
Yes, I do enjoy the content, that's why I'm now a happy subscriber. That surly face the 'waitress' had when you asked to remove the service charge was priceless, not from having to deal with a dissatisfied customer but the inconvenience to HER of having to press a few more keys on the PDQ machine, shocking!
I've been a car salesman for more than 40 years (yes, I'm past retirement age now!) but still working and loving every minute! Last 5 years I'e been working at a (very) large car supermarket based in North London, if I didn't provide enthusiastic, quality service it would result in: #1: wouldn't earn any money, #2: really wouldn't enjoy it, and of course, #3: I would be out on my arse!
More power to you DJ!
Agree 100% with you Darren about customer service these days it appears to be the norm !!
Good you removed the service charge ❤
Darren I am pleased that you are going to now do reviews that include the service. I’ve been following you for a few years and I know you’ve been reluctant in the past to criticize when you get poor service, even if the food was good. Service to me is part of the overall experience and is what you are paying for. And I also believe restaurants should value and appreciate honest feedback, because how will they ever know that they are failing their clients unless we tell them. Keep up the good work!
Well done removing service… what ignorance from the staff… zero manners
My theory is that this rudeness is a spin off from social media. Most people in customer facing hospitality are young and they treat real world social interactions like they treat online ones. Are they interested in you? No, because you are old and therefore basically you are invisible. Watch young staff interacting with people of their own age and even more so the opposite sex. Charming. But if they don’t want to ‘friend you’ they mentally swipe left.
You've given me a lightbulb moment 😮 thankyou. definitely feel invisible sometimes or 'strange' if I dare to interact or be friendly (shock horror)😊
Arab run company chain, couldn't care less what the average British person thinks.
Loving the reviews Darren. We had afternoon tea there last year and the service hasn’t improved by the look of it. It was one of the most expensive afternoon teas I’ve had, every cup of tea and coffee was changed extra. Would not recommend it for the cost or service.
What has happened to customer service!!! that woman wow!!! would not want to be her enemy. and the man was no better,. Disgusting service so glad you removed the service charge. You should have complained about the coffee that's horrendous . Thankyou for informing us of not wasting our money and time going there. Very gloomy!!!
I’ve actually walked out of a restaurant within the first 10 minutes if the server is rude, or not communicative. I understand you reviewed this place, but I’ll admit if I was with you, I’d say ‘come on let’s go’ lol!! New to you channel, love your reviews 😀😀
Thank you and welcome
Here in Canada a lot of the restaurants are pricing themselves out of business. Most seniors on fixed income can't afford to go out for a meal anymore. Too many restaurants are advertising fine dining ad charging ridiculous prices with no customers wwhen they could be serving reasonably priced home cooked style food that doesn't leave the customer still hungrywwhen they leave. Prices are too high and the portion sizes are too small at most places. For example chicken wings at most pizza places are about $8/lb but when the same wings are being sold at a restaurant the price soars to $18/lb. A little profit is understandable but that is price gouging at its worst and that doesn't include the tax and tip.
Why the heck are you getting such a bad run Darren. Jaysis! I would refuse to pay. I did that abroad once. However. It adds so much to your content which I love. Great idea by the way to have the two cameras and judge the whole experience. Thanks 👍
She was rude, what service charge were they trying to charge you for? ,or did I miss something.?🤑
Your bang on with the service ,or lack of it .Intresting about the coffee temp .My son has just bought a Sage Smart ketle ..and that gives you a few options of buttons to press for the temp to be set to whatever drink you make. Coffee has it,s own buttons at a reduced heat .
Been there, DJ, the food was good, but the service was horrible. I have observed the same as you lately and I am we're going to end up with a heck of lot of waiters/waitresses without manners. It's a shame because good service is part of the experience.
Service staff arent paid well or trained well.
High turnover of low paid young people.
What incentive is there to do a good job?
Great review, fascinating to see. Amazing how expensive stuff is getting nowadays
Dont blame you for not paying service charge, they just gave the impression that you were inconveniencing them by being there.
Yeah what a liberty
Video's like this is why I never go to big city restaurants or fancy expensive cafes. I once called a waitress out for being rude and snooty with me when I was trying to be polite. I'm glad I live in a small town mostly run by family owned businesses. The people at my local cafe I go to regularly are so friendly and always make conversation with the customers. Such a huge difference compared to the snooty folk at this place.
I totally agree with you Darren I wouldn't have paid the service charge either I properly wouldn't have gone back when they said we aren't open till 8 lol 😂
Me neither mate 👍
I was always brought up to say please and thank you .... and say sorry which is so hard to many these days .... keep up the good work DJ on these reviews, we need old school normality ❤
Ooh that was cold. I would have felt rather unwelcome as a customer. Better off at a down to earth greasy spoon.Thanks for trying all these places out.
Daren coffee should never be hot like tea,baristas would tell us.
And to serve it boiling in a container which doesn’t feel hot to the touch is ridiculous
At last, someone who agrees
Omg absolutely ridiculous prices! And miserable/terrible staff! And I have to confess I've never heard of that coffee chain, but after that I don't feel like I'm missing out!😂😂😂