Chef Simon Wood Exposes ‘Hate Campaign’ Plot Against Manchester Eatery
A number of negative reviews were posted about the fine dining establishment after Simon Wood shared a post to social media
Chef Simon Wood Exposes ‘Hate Campaign
Enjoying a meal out is a simple and delightful way to celebrate special moments with loved ones.
Recent research reveals that, on average, Brits dine out 1.5 times a week, investing around £53 per meal. With Christmas approaching, the desire for one final evening free from kitchen duties is on the rise.
Navigating the etiquette of requesting complimentary food can be a puzzle, whether you’re celebrating with colleagues on a lively work outing or enjoying a quiet anniversary. Is it acceptable to seek a free glass of bubbly for your hen night, or is it fitting for a 60th birthday to conclude with a complimentary slice of cake?
Recently, a seemingly innocent inquiry triggered a spirited online debate, and no one seems willing to concede. Simon Wood gained fame as the winner of the 2015 edition of MasterChef, and he leads the well-regarded Manchester restaurant, WOOD.
An acclaimed chef says an online ‘hate campaign’ has been started against him, after he posted an email exchange of a potential customer wanting a free treat for her and her partner
The upscale restaurant offers an array of delectable dishes, featuring luxurious options like caviar and venison. However, recent controversy surrounds the establishment following Chef Simon Wood’s public response to a private email.
Wood took to Twitter, sharing a screenshot of an anonymous woman’s message: “As it’s our first anniversary, could we get a good table with a nice view and perhaps a complimentary dessert to surprise my partner?”
He found the request ‘unbelievable,’ commenting, “Free food for celebrations, that’s not the reason we’re here, after all…”
The post, seen by over two million users, ignited a debate, with many supporting the woman. One person commented, “Publicly shaming a customer who requested a free dessert on their special day is inappropriate. She asked politely and courteously. This could have been an opportunity to display empathy and earn positive points.”
Some expressed a more lenient view, stating, “I don’t see this as a major offense. Publicly shaming a customer, even with their email redacted, seems like an overreaction.” Another commenter added, “Ridiculing someone for asking seems a bit excessive.”
Nevertheless, many rallied behind the chef, labeling the woman’s request as ‘unreasonable.’ Sarcastically, one person quipped, “Sure, bring a change of clothes to help out in the kitchen with dishes for a few hours after!” Another user chimed in, “The audacity of some people.”
Addressing the criticism, Wood shared with the Mirror, “At WOOD, we host around 150-200 celebrations weekly. Expecting something for free is absurd; the entitlement around this is excessive. Hospitality is a generous industry, but it doesn’t operate on large margins. Asking for complimentary items before even arriving is unacceptable. Why is this expectation placed on restaurants and not on holidays, flights, cars, buying a new iPhone, or a newspaper?”
Chef Simon Wood is currently alleging a ‘hate campaign,’ accusing individuals of posting detrimental reviews about his restaurant. Despite the establishment maintaining a 4.5-star rating on Google, there has been a sudden influx of one-star reviews.
In response to the adverse feedback, supporters of Chef Wood have countered with enthusiastic reviews, consistently awarding the restaurant five stars.
