For reasons I prefer not to explain, I found myself having lunch in a branch of Wetherspoons on Friday. I cannot remember the last time that happened. It was a somewhat surreal experience...
"Oh, you have to choose chips or jacket, then change it to salad" said the waitress. "How are you supposed to know that?" I asked "Oh, I know it, because I have to do it every day" she said.
I left Bob to sort it all out and pay, and returned to our table, muttering to our companion that it all seemed crazy. Then when the steak arrived, there was a small bowl of salad which I tipped out onto the plate. Tomato, lettuce cucumber - no quinoa, adzuki beans, kale, or peppers as promised on the menu. "Sorry, that's the only salad they serve here" said Bob.
After our meal I nipped to the loo. I went into the unoccupied cubicle- it had two bolts on the door, neither of which connected with anything on the other side of the frame. I decided I'd have to [a] stick my foot out and [b] shout "this one's occupied!" if anyone else came in.
Why did they choose my name? Angela was in the top twenty of girls' names between 1950 & 1970 - so most of the Angelas you meet will be between 70 and 50 now. Is the idea that having given the coded request for Angela, a female member of staff will come and help you escape your unsafe situation? The bar staff in this pub were all way younger than that - not your typical Ang at all.
Joking aside, it is good if venues do take their responsibilities seriously to protect customers from harassment, and violence [and this awful 'spiking' which is becoming alarmingly common]
Let us build strong friendships with neighbours and work colleagues, so that people feel able to end their silence and ask for help to escape from destructive, abusive relationships.
If you are worried about someone, find a situation where they can feel comfortable chatting to you - maybe take them out to lunch
[maybe not Wetherspoons though...]
What a disappointment over the salad. I really don't like having to choose food by app. I find it difficult to navigate and compare things esp if things like this come up. It's good there is a method of helping people if they are in a difficult or dangerous situation.
ReplyDeleteI did worry about domestic abuse during the pandemic. We are lucky to have kind spouses.
Yes Kezzie - those of us with loving partners are truly blessed
DeleteOnce in a Wetherspoons was enough for me especially as the carpets were sticky and the food just about edible. I think we hit a bad day!
ReplyDeleteI suspect the 'bad days' are not that rare. On my previous visit to W. - years ago, in another town - a fight broke out between customers.
DeleteI've never set foot in a Wetherspoons, maybe because the one in Truro is always very full of the Young, spilling out of the door and being loud.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Angela is a lovely name it isnt the first one that comes to mind in that situation. I wmight have expected Hello I'm Kim/Tracy/Beyonce???
I like the idea of asking for Beyonce!
DeleteWild horses could not drag me into a branch of Wetherspoons, knowing the owner's political stance and what I've read about how he treated his staff during the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteUnder Normal Circumstances, me neither!!
DeleteMaybe they chose "Angela" since it sounds like "angel" - a helping angel?
ReplyDeletethat's a very sweet thought, Bless!
DeleteThat crossed my mind too!
DeleteHmm. Thought a while about leaving comment here but perhaps need to say that my son is a manager at Wetherspoons. It's not an easy job. They get people being abusive because of the owner's politics - not something they can do much about. Despite what seems to be the received wisdom - it's well paid compared with other chains and they are sticklers for proper HR when it comes to their staff. And the Angela password is definitely taken seriously. Not having a go at anyone - just sometimes the received wisdom is not always correct. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting the other side of the story Lesley. There are many big companies run by people whose political views differ from mine - but that is not a reason to abuse the staff. Your son has a tough job. And it is not the fault of staff if their venue is not supplied with certain menu items. It is good to know that HR, rates of pay and staff welfare are all done properly, as that's something that concerns me in many eating places (having briefly worked waiting on tables in my student days) And thank you for making it clear that their concern for victims of domestic violence is more than just a poster on the wall, but that staff are trained and responsive when help is needed. Like all restaurant chains, the atmosphere and clientele will vary in different locations. It is unfair of me to base my opinions of all on just a couple of bad experiences. Thank you for your comments - I accept your criticism.
DeleteSorry - wasn't meant to be criticism - just an extra view. And I wouldn't argue with anyone about the sticky floors!
DeleteCriticism was the wrong choice of word on my part. How about "gentle reminder of alternative approach"?
DeleteWhat a strange way to have to choose a salad! We don't use cell phones so I suppose one day we won't be able to be commercially active in public at all, probably saving a lot of money! Your salad was sold under false representation. I'm glad we don't have any Wetherspoons here.
ReplyDeleteThe only really objectionable meal I can remember years ago was a salad bar option and when I got back to the table I realized that the chickpeas were warm. Then I noticed that there was no refrigeration under any serving dishes, including cream-based salads. I got a refund after not eating and telling the staff about their violation of health procedures, but then I couldn't face eating anything else in there at all.
They did explain when Bob ordered that it would be a different salad. And it was freshly prepared. I was just disappointed that the "rainbow" was unavailable and the app was unworkable. There were no issues with health and hygiene standards (apart from lack of bolt, the loos were spotlessly clean and well equipped)
DeleteAll I could think was poor Angela and Bob. I’m sure the choice of venue was a desperate last choice. Never will I ever again step foot in one of his establishments after the way he treated his staff!
ReplyDeleteHeather x
Please read NMs comment above - I suspect the media has not given the whole picture.
DeleteOur daughter is Angela and a decade younger that your 'age range' I'm glad to read that Wetherspoons take domestic violence seriously. Our Ang used to work with victims of domestic violence, male and female. She now works with children who have encountered violence in their lives.
ReplyDeleteWe have eaten in a couple of Wetherspoons, to be fair, the staff, food and buildings in general have been fine, you get what you pay for.
Well done your Ang!perhaps she was the inspiration for the name used in the campaign
Delete