My recent visit to Fountainhead Pub left me with mixed feelings. While the service was commendable and the food satisfying, an unfortunate aspect of the dining experience left a bitter taste: the default tip of 18% on the point of sale device.
Let's start with the positives. Upon entering Fountainhead Pub, I was greeted warmly by the staff and promptly seated. Throughout the meal, the service remained attentive without being intrusive, a rare balance that added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The menu offered a decent variety, and the dishes we ordered were flavorful and well-prepared, meeting our expectations for a satisfying dining experience.
However, the issue arose when the bill arrived. I was taken aback by the default 18% tip on the point of sale device. While tipping for good service is customary and appreciated, I found this approach to be rather presumptuous and off-putting. The lack of an option to adjust the tip percentage directly on the device, apart from selecting "Other" and manually entering a dollar amount, felt restrictive and pressured.
Furthermore, my discomfort was compounded by the fact that the 18% tip was calculated on the total bill, including tax. Tipping on tax seemed unjustified and unnecessary, leading me to question the rationale behind such a practice.
As someone who values the freedom to assess service quality and tip accordingly, this tipping policy felt excessive and intrusive. While I understand the importance of fair compensation for restaurant staff, the imposition of an 18% tip, especially when calculated on the total bill including tax, felt like an unwelcome imposition on the dining experience.
In conclusion, while Fountainhead Pub offers commendable service and food, the 18% default tip marred an otherwise enjoyable evening. The lack of flexibility in tipping options and the inclusion of tax in the tip calculation left me feeling pressured and disinclined to return. Until this policy is reconsidered, regrettably, I won't be revisiting Fountainhead Pub.
Overall, while my experience at Fountainhead Pub was marred by the tipping policy, I acknowledge that others may have different perspectives. Nonetheless, I hope this feedback prompts the establishment to reconsider its approach to tipping and enhance the overall dining experience for...
Read moreI recently dined at Fountainhead Pub Restaurant in Vancouver, and it exceeded my expectations in every way! This hidden gem serves up outstanding food, atmosphere, and service, making it a must-visit destination.
Food:
The menu boasts an impressive selection of creative, farm-to-table dishes that cater to various tastes. I savored the mouth-watering burgers, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. Each bite was expertly prepared, presented, and bursting with flavor.
Atmosphere:
Fountainhead's cozy, upscale pub ambiance is warm and inviting. Exposed brick, rich wood accents, and vibrant decor create a lively yet intimate setting perfect for dates, gatherings, or solo dining.
Service:
The exceptional staff truly made our experience shine! Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they offered spot-on recommendations and ensured our glasses were always full.
Highlights:
Creative, farm-to-table menu Exceptional service Cozy, upscale atmosphere Impressive craft beer selection Delicious desserts
Will I return? Absolutely! Fountainhead Pub Restaurant has earned a loyal customer in me.
Or, if you'd like a shorter review:
5/5 Stars - Amazing Food, Atmosphere & Service!
"Fountainhead Pub Restaurant is a Vancouver gem! Outstanding farm-to-table dishes, cozy upscale atmosphere, and exceptional service make it a must-visit. Creative menu, impressive craft beer selection, and delicious desserts. Can't...
Read moreKaraoke Mondays with Lola hosting for Triumph Entertainment is an absolute blast! Highly reccomend.Great singers, great sound!
Great food, despite my allergies. I had chips, salsa and guac: the chips were light and crisp, the salsa a mild medium, guac was dairly standard pub style. Also had thier J burger, absolute highlight. Patty was thicc and meaty ;) well spiced including a hint of rosemary, clearly an inhouse made. Bacon was CRISP and buttery, mushrooms were excellent. The only gluten free option was having it served on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce, but the lettuce was freah and crisp, and they still remembered to add condiments. Fries were crisp, hand cut, and seasoned with salt and pepper. Sébastien and Riley made the food and beverage experience an efficient and tasty experience and made me feel safe about my allergies.
Good variety of seating options, though low seats are hard, should have brought a pillow, thier high top chairs (with backs and without) were well padded. There ARE steps inside, but either level is accessible from the street with no stairs. Washrooms were clean and also shockingly fun design? Seems like a weird thing to mention, but different door options and lighting and shapes made it a fun little adventure.
Apparently they have pool and darts and and a payio and other pub stuff, but we were there to sing our hearts out so I can't comment other that to...
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