Top IRRITATIONS of Customers on the Afternoon Tea in London in 2014

By: Maureen Gumba

What do COUPLES say?

“The table/seating arrangements were very low and ours was

particularly difficult to squeeze into without knocking over the

table and left us lounging uncomfortably for eating tea.”

Irritation # 1

“Tea was waaaayyyy too strong... The whole pot was FULL of leaves

so it was unconsumable!”

Irritation # 2

“My waiter proceeded to somehow pour half a cup in my

lap.”

Irritation # 3

“Music is very loud as the pianist sits playing so loud its hard to hear

and speak to each other.”

Irritation # 4

“Scones were cold.”

Irritation # 5

“The sandwiches were poor and lacked a lot of flavour – as

though they were skimping on the filling.”

Irritation # 6

“Many people were in Jeans. Dressing properly was not

enforced.”

Irritation # 7

What do TOURISTS say?

“We arrived for a much anticipated afternoon tea, only to be told by the gentleman on the desk that we had no booking and that the tea rooms were fully booked! Luckily one of our party of 4 had a paper copy of

the booking.”

Irritation # 1

“Scones were more like American breakfast biscuits,

warm, but definitely not scones.”

Irritation # 2

“We had to wait a long time for our scones, even though we were clearly finished. No one attended to us to see if we were enjoying, nor did anyone clean the table.”

Irritation # 3

“The bread was not soft and delicious.”

Irritation # 4

“Tea was spilled over the tablecloth.”

Irritation # 5

“Some diners admitted with ragged legged denims and dirty trainers. Smart Casual policy not

enforced.”

Irritation # 6

“It took over 40 minutes to get a server's attention to even pay

for the bill. .”

Irritation # 7

What do FAMILIES say?

“The sandwiches had been made from bread that had dried out (all

of the sandwiches were dry – including the egg and cress,

smoked salmon on beetroot bread and the ham and mustard).”

Irritation # 1

“The scones were also bone dry.”

Irritation # 2

“Our daughter had a milkshake which was disgusting. I don’t

think they were used to making them. She didn’t drink much at

all.”

Irritation # 3

“Seated a table opposite to us was a very rude business man; foul

language was used. Maybe two people that we’re doing a deal should

have been placed in a private room and only those partaking in

Afternoon Tea should be seated in such an intimate room.”

Irritation # 4

“The waiter made a mix-up TWICE as to who’s tea was who

and he poured us the wrong tea TWICE.”

Irritation # 5

“The tea was just warm, not hot.”

Irritation # 6

“The afternoon tea is supposed to be half price for kids but we

had to remind them of this when the bill came as they had

charged the full price.”

Irritation # 7

What do GROUPS OF FRIENDS say?

“Food was quite nice (some odd tastes) but not enough of it.”

Irritation # 1

“You are restricted to time slots, yet slow service means

you have to rush up as the staff clearly don’t want to.”

Irritation # 2

“The ‘home made jam’ was thin and horrible and the strawberry jam tasted like

the cheap nasty jam you find on greasy donuts.”

Irritation # 3

“The biggest disappointment though were the cakes. The

flavours were so synthetic, too sweet and stodgy.”

Irritation # 4

“Our Xmas afternoon tea was served in a room which lacked any festive decoration or atmosphere, even the piped music was generic

and non festive.”

Irritation # 5

“Terrible waitress service followed by Earl Grey tea that tasted like regular builders brew but very

stewed, with a complimentary eye roll from waitress when we

requested that she change the tea for us.”

Irritation # 6

“Although there were at least 10 varieties of tea available for

choosing, the quality of tea leaves was not good. They look old and did not have as strong flavors as I

had expected.”

Irritation # 7

What do VEGETARIANS

say?

“Only downside was the lack of Vegan (strict vegetarian) offerings even though I’d mentioned when booking

this requirement for one of our party.”

Irritation # 1

“The bread was so stale like it was at least three days old, .”

Irritation # 2

“My friend was vegetarian and gluten free. and she was

given a HAM sandwich.”

Irritation # 3

“We had requested a vegetarian, peanut free meal.

When we told the waitress she said they didn't know about

this.”

Irritation # 4

“The veggie sandwiches, while beautifully presented, were

rather bland.”

Irritation # 5

“Met by "the Manager", didn't take our coats asked us

if we wanted tea or coffee, we said tea please but we had

to call him back to ask what flavours.

Irritation # 6

“They give you one pot of tea and that is it, they put one tea bag in a large teapot. I asked

for vegetarian option but they refused.

Irritation # 7

This is only part of an extensive research I’ve done on STRATEGIES and TACTICS on the Afternoon Tea

Industry in London in 2014.

Email me at maugumba@gmail.com

to get more.