Boston Tea Party — Restaurant in Plymouth

Not neurodiverse friendly. I have high functioning ASD and ADD, been here before with my university group, we sat upstairs out of the way and I felt safe, I can cope with a "busy" environment as long as I can be popped away in the corner, there is not lots of people walking and standing around me and the lights are not too bright. When we went in I specifically asked if we could sit upstairs due to this. I was told we are busy but we have a table downstairs, I said could we move upstairs as soon as a table becomes available not realising I was about to be placed in the middle of the room, she said yes but we are busy, I said I understand but need to sit upstairs, to which she agreed. She then led us to a busy table and like a scolding aunt said "is this okay", I am easily intimidated so agreed but again said but can we move as soon as a table becomes available. She left us for a few minutes then I saw some people coming down the stairs, so I asked her again can I move upstairs please. Her response "is this table really not okay" in a scolding manner, then followed with we have just had a larger party come in, so we will clear that table soon. Two minutes later she then led two gentlemen who had just come in upstairs, presumably to the newly vacated table, can I add that at this point we still hadn't even ordered a drink so there was nothing to clear or move from our table. At this point the anxiety and overwhelm became to much for me, one of the other serving staff clearly noticed and asked if I was okay, which I do appreciate and is the reason for the two stars, I would have only given one before. However I couldn't stop the tears so had to leave with my dog, who I take everywhere because of the calming effect. Eventually I managed to stop crying and came back and got my bag, but my point is that a person with neurodiversity should not have to show their disability for staff to show empathy, if someone asks several times for something there is a good chance there is a reason for it and perhaps responding as if the person is being difficult is not the best way to serve a customer.

Thank you to the GM I appreciate the reply, we hadn't planned the coffee visit so couldn't have telephoned, unfortunately I understand that it is expected that people make plans to be accommodated but sometimes its spontaneous. My point I guess is that when a customer asks repeatedly instead of treating them like they are being difficult take the time to understand that there is probably a reason and they shouldn't feel they constantly have to explain just so they can be heard. Perhaps training could be given to understand possible silent needs and how to respond? But thank you again for taking the time to reply, the food is always...

Been in on a few occasions. The drinks aren’t great overall- I’ve had a latte and it’s tasted burnt, it was horrible. Then I’ve tried the milkshakes, I’ve only ever ordered salted caramel. The first occasion I received banana. I could not fault the staff as they were nice and got me a new one- the replacement was lovely!! However, I went back again yesterday and I ordered the breakfast with a milkshake again and it looked like soft ice cream- it tasted like vanilla with caramel on the edge of the glass and that was it, no caramel flavour other than that- I asked for a replacement again as it was not what I ordered and for nearly £5 a milkshake I’d expect it to taste as it says. The replacement was a thinner version (more like milk and tasted as such) again no flavour to it. I gave up, ate my meal and left which was also very average for such a high price. £20 on a breakfast and what was essentially milk!

Very disappointing as you don’t pay for what you get here and it’s been like this the last 2 times I’ve been. I probably won’t return as it is a waste of money. The staff are polite enough but the food and especially the drinks are not great especially when all the drinks are at such a high price point....

Been going here for years with our dog. Clearly they have new staff including a man dressed up like a woman who was rude, unprofessional and absolutely awful to be around. Had no professionalism nor customer service what so ever. Clearly a diversity hire. Lied about how busy they were telling me no seats upstairs. I looked for myself to find there were lots upstairs.we like to sit upstairs if we can. He made it a problem. Kept on telling us in a very uncomfortable way how busy he was. He clearly couldn’t handle the pace. I don’t want to know how busy you are every time I see you. I wasn’t asking anything of you. All but threw the menus in my hand after trying to make him smile after I tried to pickup what looked like menus but was actually bins. Just no customer service at all. Our dog was under/beside our table and normally gets fuss but instead the same man had me lead him up despite him being right next to us. Doesn’t bark. Trained to hand signals. I’m off today with food sickness and diarrhoea just to top it off. Won’t be going back there after years of doing so. No apologies needed. I don’t want your fake apology and excuse. I know what good customer service is. I...