An exclusive London eatery has provoked outrage amongst its clientele after it was revealed they are quietly adding a controversial 'entitlement' fee to their bills.
Little Kitchen, a restaurant in the affluent area of Chelsea, has been applying a 10 per cent surcharge to diners it deems to be 'high maintenance'. The charge, which is not explicitly advertised, is intended to compensate staff for the extra time spent dealing with demanding patrons.
Patrons Brand Charge 'Deeply Offensive'
The policy came to light after diners took to social media to express their fury upon discovering the additional charge on their receipts. Many described the label as 'deeply offensive' and 'incredibly elitist', questioning how the restaurant judges which customers warrant the fee.
One shocked customer stated, 'To be labelled 'entitled' simply for asking a question about the menu or having a dietary requirement is astounding. It feels like a punishment for expecting basic service.'
Restaurant's Justification and Industry Backlash
While the restaurant has defended the surcharge as a necessary measure for 'exceptional instances', the move has been met with severe criticism from hospitality industry experts. Critics argue that dealing with customer requests, including allergies and menu queries, is a fundamental part of the service industry, not an extra burden that should be monetised.
This incident raises serious questions about transparency and customer relations within the UK's competitive dining scene. Adding a secret charge based on a subjective judgement of a customer's behaviour is seen by many as a dangerous precedent that could alienate the public.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the rising costs of dining out and the various surcharges customers now face, from optional service fees to mandatory cover charges.
