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I love to eat out, it is a great way to enjoy an evening, avoid cooking and eat foods that I often don’t cook at home. As a vegetarian, I like to try new things when eating out and then replicate them at home.
This way I don’t spend a long time at home cooking something I might not even like! I first tried jackfruit for example when eating out and now often use it at home.
Bad service
I have worked in restaurants and pubs in the past so I know how draining the job can be and how difficult some customers can be but in my eyes, this does not excuse bad service.
One of my pet hates is when you are eating out and the serving staff don’t have the manners to ask if everything was ok if they are clearing your plates and you have left a large amount of your food.
Unprofessional staff
One thing that drives me absolutely insane is when staff are chatting about a night out or talking about TV etc when they are in serving areas.
I completely understand that they have a life outside work but when you are waiting to be served and the staff are too busy chatting about last night’s “I’m A Celebrity” I just lose my patience!
Dirty premises
If we are eating out and the restaurant, cafe or pub is dirty it immediately puts me off. I don’t mean that there are tables that need cleaning or dirty glasses at the end of the bar that has not yet been washed, I mean really dirty places like when the decor is filthy and has a layer of dust on it.
To me, this includes the toilets, air ducts, windows and everything as a customer you see, and areas you don’t see! It isn’t hard to keep businesses like this clean with window cleaners, specialist cleaners, air duct cleaning services and professional oven cleaners.
Cold food
I use a food thermometer at home if I am unsure if the centre of a meal is hot so when eating out I really think there is no excuse for serving cold food. In circumstances like this I don’t necessarily blame the server as it is most likely the fault of the chef.
Whilst I understand sometimes this can be due to poor training, faulty equipment or short staffing it is still a really big pet peeve of mine!
Slow service
In general, I don’t mind how long my food takes if I am made aware of this and the place I am waiting is relaxing and comfortable.
What I absolutely hate is when there is no communication and you see other meals going out that were ordered after yours but you still don’t have your food and have not been told why.
Anything I have missed?
Do you have any other pet hates when eating out? Is it when the staff are not quick to serve you or chat with their friends whilst serving you?
Perhaps you work in a restaurant and want to answer back with things you hate that customers do. Do let me know in the comments below!
