Tom Kerridge has criticised people who don’t turn up for restaurant reservations after a group of 27 people failed to show up to his eponymous establishment at the Corinthia Hotel in London on Saturday.
On Sunday, the British chef shared a photograph of Russell Crowe from the film 300 alongside a caption expressing his anger at the no-show.
Kerridge called the group’s behavious “selfish” and “disgraceful” considering that so many restaurants are struggling to stay afloat due to Covid-19.
“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,” he began.
“Your behaviour is disgraceful, shortsighted and down right unhelpful.”
Kerridge went on to address no-shows in general and accused people who do this of ”adding to the issues already being faced”.
“YOU are putting people’s jobs more at risk,” he continued.
“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.
“You are the worst kind of guest, and that is ‘selfish’. I hope you have good look at yourselves.”
Several other high-profile chefs weighed in on Kerridge’s comment.
Clare Smyth, who runs Core in Notting Hill, agreed with his views on no-shows.
“Well said Tom. We need to educate people now more than ever,” she commented on Kerridge’s post.
“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.”
Meanwhile, restaurateur Jason Atherton added: “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 as we are fighting for our very lives in an industry that’s nearly every person uses to have fun times.”
Atherton urged Kerridge to “name and shame” the guests who did not turn up so that other restaurants could “block these people”.
The model Jodie Kidd also commented: “Absolutely shocking !!!!! Disgusting behaviour”
