Totally correct to ask for the service charge to be removed, it is for the customer to decide and I would make clear that if the service charge was included and they refuse to remove it or I will eat elsewhere. Guys, take back control or all restaurants will do this. Nice one the MacMaster
Hiya Lee and Darren, we are spoiled with all these great videos you are both doing. Always enjoyable content. Great editing. Cool tunes. Loving watching your adventures. You two are double the trouble. Lol. It looked so good. Shame it wasn't as good as what you had before. Great video. Thank you for sharing. Have a good weekend. Take care.
Absolutely right to ask for the service charge to be removed , I think it should be up to the customer to decide how much to tip 👍🏻 . Feel sorry for you Lee because you were so looking forward to it xx
You were completely correct in asking for service charge taking off! Do you go into a shop, buy a pair of trouserrs then pay the assistant an extra amount for taking your money and putting the trousers in a carrier bag?
It seemed very quiet to me, the best guide you can get to authentic Chinese food is where do the Chinese eat, I didn’t see many Chinese in there, authentic Chinese food is out of this world and is nothing like what we associate with Chinese food. It should also be enjoyed with plenty of green tea which is filled up throughout the meal.
I highly recommend Wan Chai Corner in Gerrard Street near the Fire Station. Relatively inexpensive, lovely food and good, friendly service. I've been going there for years. Their roast duck and barbecue meats are superb. Lovely dim sum. The only let down is the satay sauce which is not very peanutty. It's also great for single people, unlike Canton round the corner.
I dont get how the food was "beautiful" at the table but than massively disappointing once you got outside. As someone whos been here twice I can say Id never go again. Its utter over priced crap. My local chjese takeaway is a million times nicer than Imperial. Tbh anyone who jnows food can clearly see the food, apart from the noodles, looked absolutely awful. Those ribs looked dry and old, and the chicken looked like deep fried crap.
We used to go to a very nice Chinese restaurant and we got to to know one of the girl Chinese waitresses, one day my wife asked if she got the tips we gave her , she said their outfits had no pockets and they couldn’t keep the money so we stopped leaving a tip
I never eat the same stuff in Chinatown that I can get from the Happy Wok Takeaway, if I can help it. I’d only go for specialities or for Dim Sum. There’s a place on the Edgware Road called ‘Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall’, better than anything you’ll get in Chinatown.
Great video guys, thanks for the honesty and yes you were very right to ask them to remove the service charge. I think it is very rude when places expect you to pay this charge. It should be your choice depending on food and service how much you want to tip and not automatic.
Strange people. Praising it all inside then annihilating it the minute you step out. Do you not bother checking the prices before your order?? I agree with you about the service charge but thats all.
Sometimes the service charge goes entirely to the owner, the place I worked at forced waiters to lie by saying "it's shared amongst staff". This is best explained by this formula (Service charge + Employers contribution = My pay rate of £8.50/hr) High service charge means my employer pays less. Low service charge means my employer pays more. This was entirely legal, although the lies could be considered as fraud.
Lee, I agree with you completely. Unlike the USA, the UK are on a minimum wage, do you tip the girl on the checkout in a supermarket when you've paid your bill? No, so why do restaurants expect you to pay 12 1/2% service charge then another tip when paying on your card, then I suppose they expect you to give them your loose change when leaving. I am with you 100%. Another great vlog by the way. I am loving you and Darren together, you are like 2 naughty school boys, I do hope you pay Darren a visit next week ;) see you on the next one! Onwards x
Many years ago I used to deliver wine there. Used to stack a barrow with as many boxes has I could but when I got to the bridge I had to carry them across. The bridge is not very strong.
A service charge should be written on the menu, ''service charge appreciated'' NOT a service charge (discretionary) on the final bill, saves the embarrassment of asking for it to be removed.
I'm shocked how low Lee scored it tbh! P's me off the way they charge you about £2.50 for a can of coke!! You were right to remove the 12.5% service charge for sure. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series with Darren. He seems like a great guy. Hope to see more colab's with him.
Don’t quite get this video, it’s all going well till you get outside where you completely do a 180° and say it wasn’t good. Obviously, you got the bill and didn’t like it. Understandable. Also, you did order something not on the menu, which is always a risky thing to do. The prices were on the menu when you ordered I presume.
Not really the price although it was way too much. Just after eating it, it was no where near what it used to be. Lost its magic. I think I so wanted to like it.
Still enjoyed the vlog, despite the disappointing meal. Main course looked nice enough when delivered, but as always, the proof is in the tasting ! I agree with you about the service charge - noticed that the waitress appeared to be looking at the camera suspiciously too !
If you are in the Birmingham area there is a Chinese buffet but with a difference you order off the menu and it’s cooked fresh and brought to your table it’s in smaller portions but you can order as many times as you like and the food is lovely
They do it because in London a huge amount of people visiting tourist traps like China Town will be from places like the US, and they will just pay it. To be honest I'm not sure why anyone bothers visiting these places just to order inauthentic items like sweet and sour chicken balls and crispy shredded beef, as you can get these things made to near identical 'spec' at pretty much any decent takeaway, for far less money. If I were going to a supposedly authentic Chinese restaurant I'd want to try some authentic dishes and experience something new, but that's just me!
Defo right to ask them to remove the service charge. The coke was warm, and if the food wasn’t as amazing as it once was why would you want to pay extra!
Piece of advice, don't go to the west end and expect to get either good food or good value for money. I have lived my entire life in London and never eaten in China town, as it's really just a tourist trap, designed to part you with your money. I would suggest trying one of the Vietnamese restaurants in Hackney. Look for the ones full of Asians and you'll know it's good. Alternatively Euston has a couple of cheap and cheerful Southern Indian places on Drummond Street. If you want lunch and you can go for the all eat buffets for around 7 quid. If you feel liike something a bit more fancy try Dotori in Finsbury Park. They have some lovely Korean food.
Great vlog Lee still catching up. Doesn't D J look slim there. It's a great shame that you and him are no longer amigos😢 Used to love your vlogs in the old smoke. But life moves on, Anyway been up all night with a really bad sore throat watching your vlogs, l will get there watching them all. Love and leave you the kind southerners Richard and Tanya from Southampton ❤😂
So the only good about this restaurant is the cleanliness. Food is okay but pricey, however 90% of Chinese food in the UK is cantonese as most people who came from Hong Kong who settled here bring that type of food. I wouldn't go London to eat that as an local takeaway can do it. If you have a chance try joy King lau for dim sum or hai Di Lao for hotpot which is different. Otherwise ordering what you did will always just be expensive vs the takeaway down the road
well said or try hong kong bbq its not a place its the food ,steam chicken bbq pork etc as for dim sum try chicken feet in black bean sauce ummmmm yummmm
That’s a shame your meal didn’t taste very nice, as I thought it looked really good! The automatic service charge happened to me yesterday too! I was at a bar in Edinburgh, and me and my friend got charged, even though we only had two drinks each! Now I always tip if I feel the service is up to standards in a restaurant, but not when it is automatically added on, and expected to be paid by customers.
Try PF Chang’s in Leicester Square, not as grand, nor are the portions as big as you get in PF Chang’s in the states, but it still tastes very very good. Dive into the Mongolian Beef.
Hi Lee and Darren, I thought it was going to be from the worst lunch in London to the best, when you go in a restaurant with high expectations and it’s never the same as you remember it’s a real letdown, and the extra charges were ridiculous you were right to ask them to take it off
Service charges adding to the bill happens already for many years in Central London. You do not have to pay them actually and you are right to give your own tip afterwards.
We had a team reunion for 30 years at Gerrards Corner - 2019, the rudest people ever. Honestly, in my 55 years on this earth can't believe that places like this exist. Chinatown has a reputation for poor service but Jammy you must have had a good day.
Lee, I prefer the Golden Dragon in China Town - Imperial China is set up to cater to what Chinese people eat - the crispy beef came out like i would expect - try a Chinese Hotpot next time in Golden Dragon or anywhere else as thats a good experience
Totally agree on service charge,it shud be up to you if you tip or not,as paying a tip when service or standards are low is taking the proverbial lol Enjoyed thanks lee
I remember when I went to well known Chinese restaurant called 4 season bayswater . There were Q at door , but when my friend went down to toilet he wrongly went to kitchen he suddenly saw ducks and chicken on bare floor with smelly wet feathers , on way back we all left for good .
If I'm not mistaken, all restaurants add a 12.5% service charge, but it can be removed if you were not happy with the service. Bummer it did not match your expectations, look forward to the next one!
That price is a little high. You should go to Chinese places where the customers are Chinese. The food is a little better. I see from what you ordered it is from the "English" or "White customer" menu. Pretty run of the mill stuff. They probably do off menu items or phantom menu (what the Chinese order from).
I remember when I was last in China town I was asking all the surrounding restaurants if there was a all you can eat. Not a single one was allowed to answer me.
May its because I am a Londoner that I avoid London Town. Ps if you have a menu that is really, really big, its because a lot of food is prepared, sometimes over night, stored in tubs and then into that ringing box in the kitchen.
I've liked London just not the prices. I'm not surprised we having the same problems with Chinese restaurants here where I live. Before pandemic great after pandemic not so much. Really enjoyed the vlog.
How can you seem to love it so much when eating and then completely rip it to pieces outside. I think that you just want to be awkward for the sake of it.
Hungs was a pukka Chinese restaurant, was open to very late and early in the morning for breakfast, it’s been shut for over a year now sadly. Was a great place, red building next to pizza express in main China town
Do you know waiters and waitresses don’t have a proper wage in the US. They technically rely on tips from the customers. So I guess they should get some kind of tip depending on the service you received.
Went to an Indian restaurant near Gloucester Road, London where they added a 15% service charge to the bill automatically and the waiter said, as he handed me the bill said "service not included, 20% is suggested" When I queried the 15% already added he said "we don't get that". I told him I'm not paying a 2 tips and I'm certainly not paying 35%
I think added service charge can be ok. As long as reasonable, and you know ALL staff getting a cut. I had a great meal in a smokehouse/BBQ joint, on the Wirral, a few days ago. They added 7%. Food and service both great so was happy to pay it.
Food looked good Pity there was so much batter on it Bit disappointing for you both however you two make a great team & really enjoying the London vlogs & reviews xx👍💕
Took my Japanese In-laws here and they thoroughly enjoyed it. But I get taken out by Chinese clients and we go to out of the way joints and eat from a Chinese menu. Completely different from the usual stuff !
My daughter has been teaching in China for four months now and she would die for some of the Chinese takeaway food we get back in Britain. It is impossible because the Chinese food they eat is totally different , chicken feet and fermented eggs are amongst the staple diet they have.
Warning Signs for Eating out. 1. Prepare to be disappointed. 2. Anyone who brags "this is the best this or that in the world" is an attention-seeking bullshitter. Avoid him/her. 3. Observe and act upon the very first unprofessional mistake . In this case warm coke, in other places cold plates, in all places, surly service and an impossible menu (it's gonna be pre-cooked min day-old food). Cut your losses, walk out, leave. Have no conscience.
If yer not happy with what you get don’t pay somebody more than they deserve. That place is rip off mine field and should be left ell alone the greedy bastards,
Hi, I love your reviews, please can you do a Chinese review on golden bridge chinese, takeaway in nuneaton, the ribs are amazing, the special house fried rice is to die for, about 16-20 prawns in that! And the rest of the meat and a fried egg! Cheapest around, we drive 25miles to go there and big portions! Get there early as a long wait as so busy! We love it! X
Great video. Gets my goat as well the issue with the service charge and gratuities thing. Felt guilty in a well known Covent Garden steak restaurant not leaving a tip only to discover as pointed out to me that I had been charged £29.50 service charge. Cheeky and money grabbing and leaves a sour taste.
The food was very nice up until the bill arrived. The bill made the food disappointing😂. The ribs looked rather dry on video. Wouldn't be surprised if it was cooked a day, 2 or 3 ago kept refrigerated till sold, most Chinese restaurants and take always do that. These guys seemed sold out on the spring roles, 99% sure those spring rolls are most likely frozen spring rolls bought from cash and carry (most restaurants sell them). Nothing wrong with that, but it's funny how the spring rolls are made out to be super special, only if they knew it cost £11 for 50. Hard chicken on the outside and not white in the inside after cooking it in sauce...that definatly sounds like chicken cooked several days ago and refrigerated without clingfilm, most likely not fresh.
The best restaurants in China Town I have tried are the Golden Dragon and the Golden Phoenix. They are really good, although there are cheaper restaurants elsewhere. The food in these two restaurants is well presented and very tasty. Feichang hao chi ! 😛 😛😛 So yummy! I like them both! Wo xihuan tamen! I’m not Chinese at all, but I like the food & culture. Thank’s for the info! Xiexie, Mike Donaghy
I cannot believe restaurants are now adding a service charge to the bill, so many people would not challenge this scam, I'd give any place that tried it a really bad review on any media platform. It's day light robbery, a tip is something else, I would leave one for good service from the staff.
The best chinese restaurant I ever went to was China-City in Berlin. You know it's good when the majority of people were actually Chinese. I don't know what it was they gave me but tasted amazing. If you're ever in Berlin I would definately recommend.
Hi, Lee and Darren, Been there before went with friends from work and the food was OK but not that great! depending on what you have, but was a evening, but things change depending who cooking!! but when my food come up it was not hot so we complained and it did get sort it out in the end!! but definitely knocked one off because as Darren said tin coke on table in restaurant!! and warm🤦♀️ But guys got to use the chopsticks the only way to eat it🥢🤣 but your right Lee it should be your choice to pay the tips so yes your right your tip you decide how much to give or not depending on service 👍bet you was still hungry afterwards what with that other meal you had earlier what a day 🤦♀️🤣😊xx
From someone who lived and worked in London for many years I can categorically say its a total rip off.
Totally correct to ask for the service charge to be removed, it is for the customer to decide and I would make clear that if the service charge was included and they refuse to remove it or I will eat elsewhere. Guys, take back control or all restaurants will do this. Nice one the MacMaster
Hiya Lee and Darren, we are spoiled with all these great videos you are both doing. Always enjoyable content. Great editing. Cool tunes. Loving watching your adventures. You two are double the trouble. Lol. It looked so good. Shame it wasn't as good as what you had before. Great video. Thank you for sharing. Have a good weekend. Take care.
My wife is Chinese she never eats in Gerrard Street as there are plenty off that street which are cheaper and serve better food.
Where would be your wife's pick?
Agreed!
Oh what shame specifically when your are looking forward to it, you two are brilliant together we want more . Great vlog lee 👍♥️
Absolutely right to ask for the service charge to be removed , I think it should be up to the customer to decide how much to tip 👍🏻 . Feel sorry for you Lee because you were so looking forward to it xx
You were completely correct in asking for service charge taking off!
Do you go into a shop, buy a pair of trouserrs then pay the assistant an extra amount for taking your money and putting the trousers in a carrier bag?
Can we all appreciate the effort into setting the scene and cinematography in the intro to these videos. Like
There is nothing worse Lee when you were so looking forward to taking Darren and enjoying a nice meal. 🥰🌞🥰Xxx
Great vlog again guys!
Great stuff guys , keep ' em coming .
It seemed very quiet to me, the best guide you can get to authentic Chinese food is where do the Chinese eat, I didn’t see many Chinese in there, authentic Chinese food is out of this world and is nothing like what we associate with Chinese food. It should also be enjoyed with plenty of green tea which is filled up throughout the meal.
I highly recommend Wan Chai Corner in Gerrard Street near the Fire Station. Relatively inexpensive, lovely food and good, friendly service. I've been going there for years. Their roast duck and barbecue meats are superb. Lovely dim sum. The only let down is the satay sauce which is not very peanutty. It's also great for single people, unlike Canton round the corner.
I always look forward to your videos. I'm also a Notts guy and it's good to hear the accent on UA-cam.
Thank you. 👍🏼
I dont get how the food was "beautiful" at the table but than massively disappointing once you got outside. As someone whos been here twice I can say Id never go again. Its utter over priced crap. My local chjese takeaway is a million times nicer than Imperial. Tbh anyone who jnows food can clearly see the food, apart from the noodles, looked absolutely awful. Those ribs looked dry and old, and the chicken looked like deep fried crap.
We used to go to a very nice Chinese restaurant and we got to to know one of the girl Chinese waitresses, one day my wife asked if she got the tips we gave her , she said their outfits had no pockets and they couldn’t keep the money so we stopped leaving a tip
Lee it’s amazing how places change over time and the quality of the food goes down put the prices always seem to go up
I dont understand. I watched most and it was all positive and happy noises.
Then slag it at the end.
12.5% on service charge is extreme, didn't see any special service being offered. Glad that was asked to be removed.
I never eat the same stuff in Chinatown that I can get from the Happy Wok Takeaway, if I can help it. I’d only go for specialities or for Dim Sum. There’s a place on the Edgware Road called ‘Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall’, better than anything you’ll get in Chinatown.
That looks absolutely delicious! Will definitely have to try that place out
Great video guys, thanks for the honesty and yes you were very right to ask them to remove the service charge. I think it is very rude when places expect you to pay this charge. It should be your choice depending on food and service how much you want to tip and not automatic.
Loved it Lee and John and when you coming to west brom lee probably bring John and ange with you when you go
Strange people. Praising it all inside then annihilating it the minute you step out. Do you not bother checking the prices before your order?? I agree with you about the service charge but thats all.
I wanted to like it. Was my favourite but alas it is not the same. Unfortunately won't be going back. So many good memories too.
I thought that aswell haha, everything they ate inside they said it was lovely
£60 is disgusting maybe the price left a bitter taste
Sometimes the service charge goes entirely to the owner, the place I worked at forced waiters to lie by saying "it's shared amongst staff". This is best explained by this formula
(Service charge + Employers contribution = My pay rate of £8.50/hr)
High service charge means my employer pays less. Low service charge means my employer pays more.
This was entirely legal, although the lies could be considered as fraud.
It is illegal to use a service charge or tips to bring hourly rate up to the Minimum National Pay Rate. A word to HMRC would sort that out
@@michaelcampin1464 Law doesn't come into action until 2022 from what I've read
Yes I agree Lee, 12.5% service change is too much. I will always leave a tip, but I like to choose how much depending on how good the service was 😀
You don’t have to pay a service charge. Only if the service and food are first class! And I definitely wouldn’t pay an extra tip.
Lee, I agree with you completely. Unlike the USA, the UK are on a minimum wage, do you tip the girl on the checkout in a supermarket when you've paid your bill? No, so why do restaurants expect you to pay 12 1/2% service charge then another tip when paying on your card, then I suppose they expect you to give them your loose change when leaving. I am with you 100%. Another great vlog by the way. I am loving you and Darren together, you are like 2 naughty school boys, I do hope you pay Darren a visit next week ;) see you on the next one! Onwards x
4'9 wow you 2 were loving it when u were eating it didn't expect that
Many years ago I used to deliver wine there. Used to stack a barrow with as many boxes has I could but when I got to the bridge I had to carry them across. The bridge is not very strong.
I had the same problem, I delivered glass bottles and jar, she went nuts at me coz I pushed my trolly over the bridges.
Best restaurant in the world and served warm coke in a can, very classy lol.
This chicken is very RUBBERY!!
She said, Thank you very much! 🤣
A service charge should be written on the menu, ''service charge appreciated'' NOT a service charge (discretionary) on the final bill, saves the embarrassment of asking for it to be removed.
Embarrassment on the restaurants behalf for assuming that customers would willingly pay more than the listed price for a service.
Entertaining videos, please keep them coming 😜
A big UP for you. DO NOT PAY a discretionary service charge unless you think they’re worth it.
I'm shocked how low Lee scored it tbh!
P's me off the way they charge you about £2.50 for a can of coke!!
You were right to remove the 12.5% service charge for sure.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series with Darren. He seems like a great guy.
Hope to see more colab's with him.
Making me hungry watching this will have to have breakfast 🤣🤣
Don’t quite get this video, it’s all going well till you get outside where you completely do a 180° and say it wasn’t good.
Obviously, you got the bill and didn’t like it. Understandable.
Also, you did order something not on the menu, which is always a risky thing to do.
The prices were on the menu when you ordered I presume.
Not really the price although it was way too much. Just after eating it, it was no where near what it used to be. Lost its magic. I think I so wanted to like it.
I really appreciate your reply. Great channel. Thanks.
Yes, it left me baffled to. Different views inside to outside. I get the service change bit though.
Love watching you 2. Darrens a lovely bloke. I've subscribed to his channel now. You can't beat Golden Bridge on Nottingham Rd. Tell them I sent ya.😜
😊👍🏼👍🏼
Darren is great. Enjoyed his vlog in The Ned, it looked majestic
Still enjoyed the vlog, despite the disappointing meal. Main course looked nice enough when delivered, but as always, the proof is in the tasting ! I agree with you about the service charge - noticed that the waitress appeared to be looking at the camera suspiciously too !
Always remove the service charge. It's a con. Staff very unlikely to get it. And management if want more money should increases prices.
If you are in the Birmingham area there is a Chinese buffet but with a difference you order off the menu and it’s cooked fresh and brought to your table it’s in smaller portions but you can order as many times as you like and the food is lovely
That sounds nice. 👌
I think service charge is the strangest, cheekiest thing. That's their job - what else are you going to do, collect it from the kitchen yourself?
They do it because in London a huge amount of people visiting tourist traps like China Town will be from places like the US, and they will just pay it.
To be honest I'm not sure why anyone bothers visiting these places just to order inauthentic items like sweet and sour chicken balls and crispy shredded beef, as you can get these things made to near identical 'spec' at pretty much any decent takeaway, for far less money. If I were going to a supposedly authentic Chinese restaurant I'd want to try some authentic dishes and experience something new, but that's just me!
Defo right to ask them to remove the service charge. The coke was warm, and if the food wasn’t as amazing as it once was why would you want to pay extra!
Piece of advice, don't go to the west end and expect to get either good food or good value for money.
I have lived my entire life in London and never eaten in China town, as it's really just a tourist trap, designed to part you with your money.
I would suggest trying one of the Vietnamese restaurants in Hackney. Look for the ones full of Asians and you'll know it's good.
Alternatively Euston has a couple of cheap and cheerful Southern Indian places on Drummond Street.
If you want lunch and you can go for the all eat buffets for around 7 quid.
If you feel liike something a bit more fancy try Dotori in Finsbury Park.
They have some lovely Korean food.
Do you mind dropping the name of the place that serves buffet for around 7 quid that you recommend? Thank you
Aaahhh the chicken was rubbery 😂😂
Great vlog Lee still catching up. Doesn't D J look slim there. It's a great shame that you and him are no longer amigos😢 Used to love your vlogs in the old smoke. But life moves on, Anyway been up all night with a really bad sore throat watching your vlogs, l will get there watching them all. Love and leave you the kind southerners Richard and Tanya from Southampton ❤😂
Get well soon. 🕶️
I love watching the ones with Darren and Lee together. They were a great double act. No one else he currently eats with compares to this dynamic duo
Looked like Darren was filling out his pools coupon lol.
So the only good about this restaurant is the cleanliness. Food is okay but pricey, however 90% of Chinese food in the UK is cantonese as most people who came from Hong Kong who settled here bring that type of food. I wouldn't go London to eat that as an local takeaway can do it. If you have a chance try joy King lau for dim sum or hai Di Lao for hotpot which is different. Otherwise ordering what you did will always just be expensive vs the takeaway down the road
thanks will try King Lau
well said or try hong kong bbq its not a place its the food ,steam chicken bbq pork etc as for dim sum try chicken feet in black bean sauce ummmmm yummmm
That’s a shame your meal didn’t taste very nice, as I thought it looked really good! The automatic service charge happened to me yesterday too! I was at a bar in Edinburgh, and me and my friend got charged, even though we only had two drinks each! Now I always tip if I feel the service is up to standards in a restaurant, but not when it is automatically added on, and expected to be paid by customers.
Try PF Chang’s in Leicester Square, not as grand, nor are the portions as big as you get in PF Chang’s in the states, but it still tastes very very good. Dive into the Mongolian Beef.
Will do. Thanks. 😁
Hi Lee and Darren, I thought it was going to be from the worst lunch in London to the best, when you go in a restaurant with high expectations and it’s never the same as you remember it’s a real letdown, and the extra charges were ridiculous you were right to ask them to take it off
Service charges adding to the bill happens already for many years in Central London. You do not have to pay them actually and you are right to give your own tip afterwards.
I’m going to London tomorrow for 3 days so I’ve been checking out your London vlogs. A trip to Chinatown is definitely on the menu!
You'll have a great time. 👍🏼👍🏼
Gerrard's Corner (for Dim Sum) and Four Seasons (BEST duck and roast meats) in London Chinatown
We had a team reunion for 30 years at Gerrards Corner - 2019, the rudest people ever. Honestly, in my 55 years on this earth can't believe that places like this exist. Chinatown has a reputation for poor service but Jammy you must have had a good day.
you are always right to remove service charge, ive only seen foreign owned restaurants do it in the last year or so, it doesnt seem right.
Lee, I prefer the Golden Dragon in China Town - Imperial China is set up to cater to what Chinese people eat - the crispy beef came out like i would expect - try a Chinese Hotpot next time in Golden Dragon or anywhere else as thats a good experience
Thank t. I'll give that a try. 👍🏼
That place is not the best restaurant in Chinatown by a long mile, it's empty of Chinese (or by the looks of it, anyone) for starters
It used to be. It's totally lost it. Totally. Avoid it. 👍🏼
Totally agree on service charge,it shud be up to you if you tip or not,as paying a tip when service or standards are low is taking the proverbial lol
Enjoyed thanks lee
I remember when I went to well known Chinese restaurant called 4 season bayswater . There were Q at door , but when my friend went down to toilet he wrongly went to kitchen he suddenly saw ducks and chicken on bare floor with smelly wet feathers , on way back we all left for good .
If I'm not mistaken, all restaurants add a 12.5% service charge, but it can be removed if you were not happy with the service. Bummer it did not match your expectations, look forward to the next one!
I agree with you about those charges, hate that!
12.5%. Crazy. I left a tip. But separate in cash and not 12.5%.
Just found your channel much love from Vancouver BC Canada 🇨🇦
Hello Canada. 😃
I am also against services charges forced on me. I always give a generous tip provided the meal & service is great.
Try Lime Tree for Thai or sweet basil in Rawdon next level
That price is a little high. You should go to Chinese places where the customers are Chinese. The food is a little better. I see from what you ordered it is from the "English" or "White customer" menu. Pretty run of the mill stuff. They probably do off menu items or phantom menu (what the Chinese order from).
I remember when I was last in China town I was asking all the surrounding restaurants if there was a all you can eat. Not a single one was allowed to answer me.
May its because I am a Londoner that I avoid London Town. Ps if you have a menu that is really, really big, its because a lot of food is prepared, sometimes over night, stored in tubs and then into that ringing box in the kitchen.
I've liked London just not the prices. I'm not surprised we having the same problems with Chinese restaurants here where I live. Before pandemic great after pandemic not so much. Really enjoyed the vlog.
Thank you. 😎
Don't like batter? Don't order two battered dishes lol
Great reviews guys, dodge place to have a nosh! Laavley! But ££££££ 😱😱
You were right to ask for the discretionary gratuity be removed. It is discretionary after all!
Hi Lee. Crispy Shredded Beef comes like that I'm afraid. It's not my favourite for that very reason.
🙄
Never ever pay a service charge ,and never go back to the place they tried to charge extra - never ever go back
I love your videos with Darren and how you drag him to the bad restaurants most of the time
There used to be a gorgeous noodle bar in Greenwich but I haven’t been there in years
How can you seem to love it so much when eating and then completely rip it to pieces outside. I think that you just want to be awkward for the sake of it.
Should have waited it out for the Imperial Tai-Pan. Definitely my fave, along with the Yang Sing in Manchester x
Hungs was a pukka Chinese restaurant, was open to very late and early in the morning for breakfast, it’s been shut for over a year now sadly. Was a great place, red building next to pizza express in main China town
Some places start cutting corners after becoming successful, and it never works in their favour. I’ve seen it happen many times.
They need to do a Yorkshire fusion menu and get some gravy on those dry ribs! (Noodles looked good though).
Would hate it to become like USA re compulsory tipping so totally agree with you, take it off and leave what you think. X
Do you know waiters and waitresses don’t have a proper wage in the US. They technically rely on tips from the customers. So I guess they should get some kind of tip depending on the service you received.
Went to an Indian restaurant near Gloucester Road, London where they added a 15% service charge to the bill automatically and the waiter said, as he handed me the bill said "service not included, 20% is suggested" When I queried the 15% already added he said "we don't get that". I told him I'm not paying a 2 tips and I'm certainly not paying 35%
It's ridiculous. 🙄
Now that's a really good try at a rip off - and actually asking for a 20% tip would immediately make me not give anything
I think added service charge can be ok. As long as reasonable, and you know ALL staff getting a cut.
I had a great meal in a smokehouse/BBQ joint, on the Wirral, a few days ago. They added 7%.
Food and service both great so was happy to pay it.
Food looked good Pity there was so much batter on it Bit disappointing for you both however you two make a great team & really enjoying the London vlogs & reviews xx👍💕
Took my Japanese In-laws here and they thoroughly enjoyed it. But I get taken out by Chinese clients and we go to out of the way joints and eat from a Chinese menu. Completely different from the usual stuff !
My daughter has been teaching in China for four months now and she would die for some of the Chinese takeaway food we get back in Britain.
It is impossible because the Chinese food they eat is totally different , chicken feet and fermented eggs are amongst the staple diet they have.
Warning Signs for Eating out.
1. Prepare to be disappointed.
2. Anyone who brags "this is the best this or that in the world" is an attention-seeking bullshitter. Avoid him/her.
3. Observe and act upon the very first unprofessional mistake . In this case warm coke, in other places cold plates, in all places, surly service and an impossible menu (it's gonna be pre-cooked min day-old food).
Cut your losses, walk out, leave. Have no conscience.
If yer not happy with what you get don’t pay somebody more than they deserve. That place is rip off mine field and should be left ell alone the greedy bastards,
Hi, I love your reviews, please can you do a Chinese review on golden bridge chinese, takeaway in nuneaton, the ribs are amazing, the special house fried rice is to die for, about 16-20 prawns in that! And the rest of the meat and a fried egg! Cheapest around, we drive 25miles to go there and big portions! Get there early as a long wait as so busy! We love it! X
Great video. Gets my goat as well the issue with the service charge and gratuities thing.
Felt guilty in a well known Covent Garden steak restaurant not leaving a tip only to discover as pointed out to me that I had been charged £29.50 service charge.
Cheeky and money grabbing and leaves a sour taste.
The food was very nice up until the bill arrived. The bill made the food disappointing😂.
The ribs looked rather dry on video. Wouldn't be surprised if it was cooked a day, 2 or 3 ago kept refrigerated till sold, most Chinese restaurants and take always do that.
These guys seemed sold out on the spring roles, 99% sure those spring rolls are most likely frozen spring rolls bought from cash and carry (most restaurants sell them). Nothing wrong with that, but it's funny how the spring rolls are made out to be super special, only if they knew it cost £11 for 50.
Hard chicken on the outside and not white in the inside after cooking it in sauce...that definatly sounds like chicken cooked several days ago and refrigerated without clingfilm, most likely not fresh.
The best restaurants in China Town I have tried are the Golden Dragon and the Golden Phoenix. They are really good, although there are cheaper restaurants elsewhere. The food in these two restaurants is well presented and very tasty. Feichang hao chi ! 😛 😛😛 So yummy! I like them both! Wo xihuan tamen! I’m not Chinese at all, but I like the food & culture. Thank’s for the info! Xiexie, Mike Donaghy
I cannot believe restaurants are now adding a service charge to the bill, so many people would not challenge this scam, I'd give any place that tried it a really bad review on any media platform. It's day light robbery, a tip is something else, I would leave one for good service from the staff.
The best chinese restaurant I ever went to was China-City in Berlin. You know it's good when the majority of people were actually Chinese. I don't know what it was they gave me but tasted amazing. If you're ever in Berlin I would definately recommend.
Hi, Lee and Darren, Been there before went with friends from work and the food was OK but not that great! depending on what you have, but was a evening, but things change depending who cooking!! but when my food come up it was not hot so we complained and it did get sort it out in the end!! but definitely knocked one off because as Darren said tin coke on table in restaurant!! and warm🤦♀️ But guys got to use the chopsticks the only way to eat it🥢🤣 but your right Lee it should be your choice to pay the tips so yes your right your tip you decide how much to give or not depending on service 👍bet you was still hungry afterwards what with that other meal you had earlier what a day 🤦♀️🤣😊xx
Lol. I used the chopsticks. 😜👍🏼👍🏼
@@TheMacMaster great 🥢🤣🤣🙌😊x
should have ordered the fish and chips.
Stick to Lucky 7s my friend 👍👍
You were right in removing the service charge. The food looked average at best.
Good on you standing your ground.
The MSG got to there heads 😂😂