Tweet
We’re taking a few Christmas party bookings at the moment, however we do have some terms and conditions. One is that we only have one party at a time, as we don’t want the entire pub being covered in “RESERVED” signs for people who may or may not show up. The other is that we do not have any bookings next weekend, as next Friday is Black Friday
SC arrives.
SC: I would like to book some tables for a Christmas party. I have about 20 people coming.
Me: When would you like it?
I pull out our Christmas booking diary.
SC: Thursday at 6pm.
Me: Oh dear. I am afraid we are already fully booked at that time.
SC: What do you mean?
Me: I mean we are fully booked at that time.
What did she expect me to say? She leaned over.
SC: It says booking for 20. Surely you can squeeze my group in too?
Me: I’m sorry but we can’t accommodate two parties of 20 people at the same time. I could do you something a little earlier?
SC: What do you mean “can’t accommodate”?? That’ ridiculous! Are you afraid of working too hard or something???
I just raised my eyebrows at her.
SC: I’m going to have to make some calls!
She went away and spoke on her phone. I carried on serving for about ten minutes. She returned.
SC: We can do next Friday! And don’t tell me you’re booked! I saw in your diary you aren’t!
Black Friday. The busiest day in the pub world. It will be packed from the minute we open, so no opportunity to sort out bookings.
Me: *big smile* Let me just go grab a manager!
I was not facing the tirade that was bound to come. I refused. I explained to the manager what was going on and she groaned. I walked down the bar. A few seconds later…
SC: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WON’T TAKE MY BOOKING???
M: Ma’am, please lower your voice. We cannot take any bookings next weekend as it will be the busiest weekend of the year. We will not have the capacity to put your booking together.
SC: Well what if we just show up anyway?? Then what will you do??
M: You’re quite welcome to do that, but I can guarantee that your party will not be able to sit together.
SC: My party will sit together! I will make sure your staff sort it!
M: That will not happen.
SC: You’re turning away 20 people! Can you really afford to do that??
M: I don’t know how else to put this, but we actually can.
I leaned over to co-worker.
Me: Want a bet? A pint says she screams “You’ve ruined Christmas!”
CW: You’re on.
M: Why don’t we go through our bookings diary together? Maybe we can find a compromise.
SC: It’s too late for that! You’ve ruined the party!
She left.
CW: Ooooh. So close! You owe me a drink!
SC arrives.
SC: I would like to book some tables for a Christmas party. I have about 20 people coming.
Me: When would you like it?
I pull out our Christmas booking diary.
SC: Thursday at 6pm.
Me: Oh dear. I am afraid we are already fully booked at that time.
SC: What do you mean?
Me: I mean we are fully booked at that time.
What did she expect me to say? She leaned over.
SC: It says booking for 20. Surely you can squeeze my group in too?
Me: I’m sorry but we can’t accommodate two parties of 20 people at the same time. I could do you something a little earlier?
SC: What do you mean “can’t accommodate”?? That’ ridiculous! Are you afraid of working too hard or something???
I just raised my eyebrows at her.
SC: I’m going to have to make some calls!
She went away and spoke on her phone. I carried on serving for about ten minutes. She returned.
SC: We can do next Friday! And don’t tell me you’re booked! I saw in your diary you aren’t!
Black Friday. The busiest day in the pub world. It will be packed from the minute we open, so no opportunity to sort out bookings.
Me: *big smile* Let me just go grab a manager!
I was not facing the tirade that was bound to come. I refused. I explained to the manager what was going on and she groaned. I walked down the bar. A few seconds later…
SC: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WON’T TAKE MY BOOKING???
M: Ma’am, please lower your voice. We cannot take any bookings next weekend as it will be the busiest weekend of the year. We will not have the capacity to put your booking together.
SC: Well what if we just show up anyway?? Then what will you do??
M: You’re quite welcome to do that, but I can guarantee that your party will not be able to sit together.
SC: My party will sit together! I will make sure your staff sort it!
M: That will not happen.
SC: You’re turning away 20 people! Can you really afford to do that??
M: I don’t know how else to put this, but we actually can.
I leaned over to co-worker.
Me: Want a bet? A pint says she screams “You’ve ruined Christmas!”
CW: You’re on.
M: Why don’t we go through our bookings diary together? Maybe we can find a compromise.
SC: It’s too late for that! You’ve ruined the party!
She left.
CW: Ooooh. So close! You owe me a drink!
The added people going out drinking because of 21/12/12 (adjusted for your sensibilities) should be fun!
Sadly I was working...
Comment