The Sutton Arms, Barbican

I used to go to this pub fairly frequently, as it is near my workplace. However, in spite of my previous positive impressions of the quality of the wine and the comfortable surroundings, all goodwill has been ruined by the rudeness of the staff on my latest (and last) visit. My friend and I waited some time to be served, even though the pub was not busy - no one else was waiting to be served. But we didn't mind. We chatted happily as we watched the barman run back and forth with empty glasses, etc. Eventually (and for the first time that evening) he approached us and asked us what we wanted. Just as I was about to answer, my friend offered me a drink. In the split-second hesitation it took for me to think up a way of saying, 'don't worry, let's go Dutch,' the barman exploded into an expletive-filled rage. He said WE had kept HIM waiting for 10 minutes, and what's more, after all that time, we still hadn't decided what we wanted (he said). It was the most irrational display of bad temper I have ever seen in any pub/bar/restaurant. This 'gentleman' a) thinks he can read minds b) has no respect for his customers, given his language, and c) has no concern for the continuing success of his business in what are bound to be tough times ahead. I will never go there again, and will tell everyone in the 150-staff company (less than a minute's walk away) about my experience. As a manager, I will find friendlier places to take my team to for the usual birthday/leaving/Christmas drinks celebrations. Absolutely disgusting behaviour that left a very sour taste in my mouth without having a single beverage.

23 Jan 2009 18:59