Bennets Bar — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Let me preface this by saying I’ve been coming here for years. Decades, even. It was always pleasant - the bar itself is beautiful; old and ornate. The staff used to be friendly and accommodating.

However, things seem to have massively changed. I really hope management reads this because your current standards fall well below the mark and your staff are rude and obnoxious.

Popped in for a quiet pint, as usual. Paid and looked for a wee spot to stand. Propped ourselves up at the end of the bar and were told “There are seats through the back?” but happily responded we were fine to stand where we were. This induced a groan from a “regular” and shared rolled-eyes between him and the bar-person.

He continued to stare at me and mutter. Eventually, his friend appeared and essentially told me that was his spot. We told him there were two free stools beside his chum and he could sit there. This resulted in “I’m not long for this world” and other hyperbolic ramblings. Stood our ground and told him, politely, that he didn’t own the pub and we were there first.

The staff, who clearly are friends with the “Grumpy Corner” (as they willingly called themselves) proceeded to gossip about us. One particularly miserable woman adjusted a sign saying “Service area - Do not block hatch” in a passive aggressive manner despite my partner being barely in the way.

ALL of this could have been avoided had someone initially said “Oh, I’m sorry, we’re expecting people in this spot” or even a reserved sign placed. We would have happily said “Sure, no probs” and found a seat elsewhere.

To be made to feel unwelcome in a pub we’ve frequented regularly over many years was unacceptable. Your staff were childish and discourteous and it made everyone uncomfortable. No one is entitled to a spot in a pub any more than anyone else.

Will be telling friends not to come here again and if you’re a tourist, just avoid it - apparently you’re not welcome unless you’re an ultra-regular. There are dozens of better (and more hospitable) bars in Edinburgh.

Both staff and regulars embarrassed themselves in...

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