18 December 2023 , 11:58
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Going out for grub is an easy way to celebrate with your loved ones.
In fact, a recent study shows that on average Brits eat out 1.5 times a week - and are willing to fork out £53 per meal. As Christmas creeps closer, many of us are craving one last evening where we don't have to slave away in the kitchen all night.
But, whether you're on a boozy work do or an intimate anniversary - what is the etiquette around requesting free food? Is it okay to want a complimentary glass of bubbles if it's your hen night? Or should a 60th birthday end with a free slice of cake?
This week, one seemingly harmless ask sparked debate online - and nobody is backing down. Simon Wood shot to fame after winning the 2015 edition of MasterChef. The culinary ace runs an acclaimed restaurant in Manchester, eponymously named WOOD.
The fine dining eatery serves a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including luxury items such as caviar and venison. However, the restaurant has recently received heavy backlash after Wood publicly responded to a private email.
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Taking to X (Twitter), Wood posted a screenshot of an anonymous woman who said: "As it's the first anniversary from me and my husband, would it be possible to give us a good table with a nice view and maybe a complimentary dessert? I want to surprise my partner."
He described the request as 'unbelievable', adding: "Free food for celebrations, that's why we're here after all..."
The post, which has now been viewed by more than two million users, sparked debate - with many siding with the woman. "Publicly shaming a customer that asked for a complimentary dessert on their special day is so ghetto," one person wrote. "She asked nicely and with courtesy. Could have used this to show empathy and score cheap points with it."
The chef says an online 'hate campaign' has been started against him (Twitter)Another added: "I really don't see this as a huge crime, and it's a bit of an overreaction to publicly shame a customer, even with their email redacted." While a third wrote: "To ridicule someone for asking is a bit much."
However, many backed the chef and dubbed the woman's request as 'mental'. "Sure absolutely! Do bring a change of clothes to help out in the kitchen with the dishes for a few hours after!" one person sarcastically wrote. "The cheek of some people," another user added.
Speaking to the Mirror about the criticism, Wood said: "We have around a 150-200 celebrations at WOOD a week, giving something to everyone shouldn't be expected, the entitlement surrounding this is obscene. Going to a nice restaurant and celebrating is the treat...
"Hospitality is an agile generous industry. It's not one that operates on large margins, and to simply ask for free things before you get somewhere is not acceptable. Why is this expected of restaurants, why not holidays, flights, cars, buying a new iPhone or a newspaper?"
The restaurant is now receiving 'fake' one-star reviews (Google Street View)The argument has escalated as Wood is now accusing people of leaving negative reviews of his restaurant in what he calls a 'hate campaign'. While the eatery has a 4.5 star rating on Google, a recent flood of one star reviews has appeared.
Those backing the chef have countered the negative feedback by leaving raving reviews - and grading the restaurant five stars.
Who do you think is in the wrong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
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