A London steakhouse has recently found itself embroiled in controversy after customers accused the owner of “guilt-tripping” them into ordering expensive drinks instead of tap water. The incident took place at Köd, a Danish steakhouse located in northeast London, where a couple had gone for an all-you-can-eat roast dinner priced at £30 per person.
Upon perusing the menu, the couple was surprised to find a message that read, “Yes, you can have just tap water… but please remember – we’re running a restaurant, not a charity – wink, wink, we need to make money.” The note went on to say, “You know who is running a charity, though? Red Cross is! If you want to have just tap water, we encourage you to donate £1 to Red Cross. Everybody wins.”
The couple, feeling guilty and cheeked, as they had already spent £60 at the upscale restaurant, decided to opt for tap water instead of ordering drinks. They later took to social media to express their displeasure, with the woman describing the request for a donation as “guilt-tripping” and “cheeky”.
The restaurant owner, Morten Ortwed, defended the message in a Twitter exchange. He explained that Köd offers a Sunday-exclusive all-you-can-eat roast deal for £30, and they cannot sustain it if everyone only orders tap water. He emphasized that they are not forcing customers to buy drinks or donate, but consider it a nice gesture. Morten, who is also a Red Cross ambassador, added that the donation request is meant to be humorous and a way to encourage customers to order drinks. He acknowledged that Danish humor might not resonate the same way in the UK, but noted that this was the first negative feedback they had received.
Despite the controversy, the woman praised the restaurant’s service and even recommended Köd to others, highlighting that the incident did not overshadow their experience. While some people supported the woman’s opinion, others found humor in the situation, joking about the profitability of selling water or switching to tap water instead of wine.
This incident brings to light the challenges that restaurants face in balancing customer satisfaction, business sustainability, and charitable initiatives. While some customers appreciate the opportunity to support a cause, others may feel that such requests are unwelcome during their dining experience.
Cultural differences in humor and expectations also play a significant role in how these messages are received. As Köd continues to operate in the UK, they may need to adjust their messaging to better align with the local culture.
Overall, this incident has sparked a lively debate about the role of restaurants in encouraging donations and the boundaries of humor in business communication. It serves as a reminder of the complexities that businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry, navigate when trying to find a balance between profitability and social responsibility.
