Tiandi Restaurant

Great food - poor customer service

I was visiting Bude last week and could not wait to revisit your restaurant as I have so many happy memories from previous occasions. As I was staying for two weeks I did manage to visit on three occasion and while I cannot complain about the food - the crispy duck is just superb - I have to say I was quite annoyed about the quality of service to customers. When you advertise an opening time of 1730, why must a group of us stand outside in the pouring rain until 1745 even though the staff could see the remaining two of us dripping wet (two of our friends gave up and left). Knocking on the door and pointing at my watch brought one member to half open the door and ask if we had booked - we felt it seems, reluctantly let in and there was no interaction for the rest of the evening. To be honest, this was appalling and spoiled the evening. On the same evening a lady came in requesting a table for one and was told they were fully booked, at the same time bookings were still being taken on the phone for later and we were the only table eating. One hour later, still only two tables were taken and I am sure this lady could have sat. Aside from the young Chinese staff member who was excellent, I believe some staff training is needed and less emphasis placed on anticipated delivery orders.

By bigglad at 10:01 on 19/11/10