In a word: No.
In two words: Don't bother.
In more words: You are the subject of a marketing experiment.
An example: The bottoms of all the lightbulbs are chome plated. So the light doesn't reach the table directly. So the ligthing is diffuse. Dimmer, diffuse lighting makes people look more attractive, so when those photos go up on facebook it's just free advertising. Congrats. You're now a model. After a fashion.
The service was a bit hit-and-miss because, unlike a traditional restaurant, you're served by whoever happens to be walking past wherever. Now, this isn't a problem per sé, but this lack of consistency means that whenever something is required, you have to try to catch the eye of whoever's nearest. And those folks are so focused on their next objective that those eyes are not looking at you. They don't have time to look at you. They're trained to look at you, but I get the impression that staff training and reality are very far apart indeed.
When we were served, we were met with friendly and efficient service with a rainbow lanyard. This bothers me a bit because it's just Wagamama virtue signalling to their customers. Honestly, if the nice lady who brought my wife her ice cream is a lesbian then that's groovy gravy granules by me, but what business is it of Wagamama's whose bed they share? What business is it of mine? Or yours? Hint: It's marketing to adhere with what is socially acceptable. If Wagamama's existed in 1938 Berlin you can imagine what the sign on the door would read.
The food was pretty substandard for me. I had the steak noodles (at a cost of 17.5 because printing £17.50 is just too basic) and while the noodles were pretty decent, the steak certainly fit in with the bowl to soul philosophy because its soul was still intact. As in, a stark reminder that this was a creature very much alive a couple of weeks ago.
I could have asked for it to be taken back and, you know, actually cooked, but that would have required me to catch someone's eye. And we know how that tale goes. So instead I had this chewy steak thing that was so deflated that it looked like the cow it came from was so depressed that it had developed religion just so that it could legitimately pray for death. It was so small that by the time the waitresses follow up came along I'd eaten half of it. That's not a dig at the waitress as she was very prompt, but the size of my 17.5 not-as-appetising-as-a-can-of-Felix steak. Seriously. My cat eats better.
Yes you do, don't you little fluff ball? Yes you do. Yes. Daddy loves you! You so cute! Aww!
Sorry. Dictation software.
Had to wait around for ages to order dessert as we weren't forgotten - just that the staff were busy following the chaos of their training. Weird.
If you do feel like paying then there's a QR code on your placemat. Just scan, pop in your table number, card details and hit OK.
If you don't feel like paying. Sit there with your phone for a bit to make it look like you've paid and run like all hell.
So, if you want to eat raw food at a place with a hokey mission statement designed to suck you in for further marketing experiments and to falsely imprint a veil of friendship onto your maleable brains then there's a stool waiting for you....
Read moreSHOUT OUT TO ADITYA! She was the best waitress. She was so kind and she was very politely.
Review: My recent visit to Wagamama Hatfield left me thoroughly impressed and satisfied. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant's sleek and modern decor, combined with friendly staff, created a welcoming ambiance.
The menu at Wagamama Hatfield offered a wide range of delectable options, making it difficult to choose just one. I appreciated the variety of dishes available, catering to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu was thoughtfully designed, providing a good balance of traditional Japanese cuisine and innovative twists.
For starters, we ordered the delicious Chicken Gyoza, which were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The portion size was generous, making it an ideal dish to share. As for the main course, I opted for the iconic Ramen bowl, while my companion tried the mouthwatering Chicken Katsu Curry. Both dishes were outstanding. The Ramen was rich and comforting, with a flavorful broth and tender noodles, while the Chicken Katsu Curry was a delightful combination of crispy chicken and aromatic curry sauce.
The service at Wagamama Hatfield was top-notch. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and provided excellent recommendations when asked. Our food arrived promptly, and the presentation was visually appealing, further enhancing the dining experience. Additionally, the staff ensured that we had everything we needed throughout our meal without being intrusive.
I was also impressed by the hygiene and cleanliness measures implemented at the restaurant. The tables were well-spaced, providing privacy and a sense of safety. It was evident that the restaurant took the necessary precautions to prioritize the well-being of its guests.
In conclusion, my experience at Wagamama Hatfield was exceptional from start to finish. The delicious food, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere combined to create an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend visiting Wagamama Hatfield to anyone in search of a fantastic Japanese...
Read moreOutstanding Service from Anjana at Wagamama, Hatfield
We were fortunate to be served by Anjana during our recent visit to Wagamama in Hatfield, and her exceptional service truly stood out. From the moment we were seated, she was warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive. She went above and beyond to ensure our party of 4 adults and 1 toddler felt comfortable and well taken care of.
Anjana kept us updated about the progress of our food, showing genuine care and attention to detail. While the staggered arrival of dishes meant some of us had to wait while others started eating (something the restaurant might want to review), Anjana handled the situation brilliantly. One person's dish was significantly delayed, but Anjana was proactive and kept us informed throughout. Not stopping there, she went the extra mile by speaking with the manager and securing that dish free of charge—a gesture we deeply appreciated.
Anjana’s professionalism, problem-solving skills, and dedication to excellent customer service turned what could have been a challenging situation into a positive experience. Her ability to stay composed, communicate effectively, and advocate for her customers reflects a level of service that deserves recognition.
Anjana is an asset to your team, and we strongly believe her exceptional performance should be rewarded. She exemplifies what outstanding customer service looks like and sets a standard that others should aspire to. Well done, Anjana—thank you for making our...
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