Sep 19, 2011 02:59 PM
2736 Views
(Updated Jun 27, 2024 02:40 PM)
On the night of September 18th, 2011, around 11 PM, my partner, girlfriend, and I were wandering around the city, looking for a place to have a few drinks and unwind. As big rock music fans, we decided to head to Cafe Morrison, a place we had enjoyed since my college days in 2005.
We usually call Ambrish, the bartender at Cafe Morrison, to check if the crowd is good before heading there. Unfortunately, he was off that night and didn’t answer his phone, but we decided to go anyway.
The cafe was completely deserted, but since we were exhausted and it was a Sunday, we thought we’d have a few drinks before heading home. We took a table, and the attendant came over to take our order. As we started ordering, he asked if we were the ones who came last weekend. We said no, but he insisted, likely trying to personalize the conversation—a common tactic to get better tips.
After repeatedly denying that we were there last weekend, we hurriedly said, "Ok, ok, maybe, " just to get him to take our order. When it came time to pay the bill, we were shocked to find an extra Rs. 2000 written by pen on the bill. The waiter claimed we hadn’t paid last weekend and tried to charge us for it.
Embarrassed and frustrated, we asked to see the recording he mentioned, but he couldn’t produce it. Instead, he brought over another waiter who claimed to remember us. This was the last straw, and we demanded to speak to the manager.
The manager came over and, unbelievably, sat down at our table. When we explained the situation, he sided with the waiter, assuming we must have been there last weekend. After a long and heated discussion, I offered to pay the extra Rs. 2000 if he would provide a written statement and the bill from the previous weekend, duly signed. The manager refused but then said we could just pay our bill for that night and forget the extra Rs. 2000.
We recorded the entire conversation and kept the bill, intending to take further action. The manager was incredibly rude, even boasting that he feared no consequences. Although I was tempted to call my cousin, who works at the Greater Kailash police station, my friend advised against it.
I am heartbroken that I can’t return to Cafe Morrison and enjoy it like I used to. While I doubt this review will make much difference, I hope the owner or someone who cares about their business sees it and contacts me for an explanation.
Cheers and musical regards,
Sudhir Yadav
