13 July 2020

Chef Tom Kerridge in rant after 27 ‘selfish’ customers fail to show up for restaurant booking

Tom Kerridge has been left furious after 27 customers failed to show up at his London restaurant over the weekend.

The 46 year-old Michelin Star chef said ‘no-show’ customers were putting jobs at risk during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

He pointed out that they were ‘selfish’ and the ‘worst type of customer’. 

He wrote on Instagram: "To the 27 people that booked @kerridgesbandg and then failed to turn up on a Saturday night - This industry, like many others is on the verge of collapse.

“Your behaviour is disgraceful, shortsighted and down right unhelpful. All of you “no shows” in all restaurants up and down the country are adding to the issues already being faced.

“YOU are putting peoples jobs more at risk. We put staff levels to the number of covers booked and when you fail to turn up, it now costs us, which in turn will force very uncomfortable and hard decisions about staffing levels."

He finished by adding: "You are the worst kind of guest, and that is “selfish”. I hope you have good look at yourselves."

Chefs in the industry backed Kerridge for speaking out, as Clare Smyth added: "Well said Tom. We need to educate people now more than ever. 

"Our industry needs to come into line with others. Staff don’t work for free because the guests don’t turn up.

“Ingredients are prepared and wasted. It is incredibly disrespectful.”

Chef Jason Atherton wrote: “This is not okay. why does our industry get treated like this when a single phone call when you change your mind sorts all of this out. YOU should be ashamed of yourself and we should have protection against this.”

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