BYO and How to Blow a Booking

© Marion Stewart  

Ric. . . . . thought I'd share one of my finding restaurant experiences with you as I continue my search for an appropriate lunch venue for my Quarter Century Club celebration.

I telephoned Banjo Paterson's Restaurant at Gladesville in Sydney (it was going to be my choice of venue) as I have been there before and the view, food, service 'fit the bill'. One of the questions I asked was, whether the restaurant was "Licensed and BYO", as I had a friend who, when enjoying a beautiful meal, also enjoyed a great glass of wine. I was advised 'no', the restaurant was only Licensed.

After reading your article about working with a restaurant to find a way in which  'a special' bottle of wine could be taken to a licensed restaurant before the meal, I took heart and tried to find something acceptable so it would appear the bottle of wine came from the restaurant. After some discussion and not a very receptive person, I was told by this staff member, that my friend (who likes to bring his own wine) "must not go to very expensive restaurants". Silently I smiled and thought "if you only knew how much my friend spends on wine and food". Obviously this really put me off.

The final outcome was an offer to let me bringing a bottle of wine and we would be charged a corkage fee of $20.

The biggest factor at play here was the attitude that did not serve his place of employment well, as now, instead of booking a lunch for nine or so people with an expected cost of in excess of $800.00, Banjo Paterson Restaurant will not be enjoying the pleasure of our company.

Ric's Note - Just for the record, "this person who must not go to very expensive restaurants" is me!
 

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