IV10 Cafe Bar Deli — Restaurant in Scotland

Rude service

Addition I

Dearest Emma,

Thank you for your reply to my one-star review of your restaurant. I will commence with the observation that it seems to reflect inaccuracies. It also appears to shift the blame onto me and — as with other replies to negative reviews, I have noted — avoids any culpability on your side.

The maître d’ (I will follow your definition, to avoid any confusion) was nothing short of rude and arrogant. On multiple occasions, he interrupted my partner mid-sentence with a simple “thank you” and a “no, thank you.” When asked any questions, we received no answer, only another “thank you.” At no point did I ask him if he could check with the manager; I asked if I could speak to the manager. I was hoping for someone less arrogant and rude. However, noting that you are the manager — and taking into account your reaction, in which I am now being called rude — I would not have fared any better.

I can understand that it can be frustrating to receive criticism when your team did not work hard to welcome certain guests, who deserve to be treated with courtesy. However, in my reviews, I will always be upfront and fair.

Wishing you the best of luck in your endeavours

Addition II

Dear Emma,

Many thanks for your surrebuttal to my written response, wherein it is being inferred that my account is dishonest. Moreover, you appear to be more concerned with public opinion than with addressing the issue at hand. Hence, I have attached your earlier replies — in order for said public to observe how such matters are handled.

I will firstly address your notion of a clear sign: that is not posted at the side entrance. Moreover, the door was open: so even if a sign was present, it would not have been clearly visible. How I “chose to ignore” this is entirely unclear to me. How I supposedly “set the tone” is even more baffling and constitutes yet another clear indication — as noted above — that no culpability on your side is being acknowledged. Rather, the responsibility is being redirected — for whatever reason — to your guests.

Again, if you wish to call that a maître d’, I will gladly follow your definition. I presume that someone who is indeed highly capable would not interrupt others mid-sentence, and would not be entirely dismissive. And indeed, when someone is rude, arrogant and dismissive and wholly unable to provide any response (even regarding alternative restaurants), I will naturally ask to speak to someone who is able to answer simple questions. This bears no relation to the bad faith motivations you now attribute to me. That you now go so far as to reiterate your support for such conduct — and even describe it as patience, professionalism, and care — is nothing short of astonishing.

I understand your point that you are a small restaurant which may be fully booked. However, the manner in which you — and your staff — handle this, both offline and online, is truly remarkable. All of this reinforces my decision to submit a one-star review.

Wishing...

Well I don't know where to start with this review. If I could give it more than 5* then I would give it 8. I took my partner for a 12 noon lunch. Thankfully we booked as it was busy. For starter I had bang bang duck and my partner had beetroot salad. Now I normally don't like cold food like duck as I prefer it warm (I'm funny like that) it was the best duck dish I have ever eaten and a huge portion. My partner had the beetroot which I don't normally like but this dish converted me to eat beetroot (seriously). Both cleaned our plates. Main I had sausage and mash and partner had fish. My Goodness again two massive portions of the best food I have eaten in years. Again two cleaned plates. Oh yes we were stuffed. I had to drink a white hot choc then a latte, partner had a delicious large red wine. After reading some, if not the majority of the reviews I was expecting a large bill. Far from it. I have paid much more for less in Kitchen, Mustard Seed and many more restaurants. The only thing that was missing was the option for a loyalty card as I will definitely be returning to try the rest of the extensive menu. If I was one of these people that take photos of my food then I would have loved to show you all the delights we seen today but that is up to you to experience for yourselves. I need to summarise now as this review is too long and by far my longest I have ever written. If your looking for a near Michelin star restaurant to excite your tastebuds then this place is a no brainer or Sutors Creek in Cromarty. For all the bad reviews (4* or kess) this place has, I think the people must have gone to another IV10 as we experienced none of the negatives mentioned in fact it was far from it. Perfect experience in every way. Well done everyone involved in making my lunch with my partner one to certainly remember....

Delightful, friendly and helpful staff. Bustling, even on a Thursday lunchtime and all tables reserved but we were welcomed and quickly given a table outside with the offer of moving inside when a table became free. Thoughtful details eg ; bottle of Factor 50 sunscreen was prominently displayed outside for the use of customers; water bowls for pets. The décor is relaxed and pleasing and the ambience great. Food: I had a small portion of fish and chips (actually a very generous portion) and it was quite the best fish in batter that I have ever had. Delicious, succulent flakes of fish in a light batter. My husband had a pizza which he too, described in glowing terms. Coffee was 'proper coffee' (!)and the orange and almond cake, fabulous. IV10 also sells a small selection of deli products which look interesting. We have been recommending IV10 to everyone since our visit, and will make it a regular...