A tale of two venues

I had the disappointing experience last night of having both of the places I'd suggested to the friend I was out with fail to live up to expectations.

The first was a trendy little wine bar, where, as I'd told the friend I was dragging along with me, they have an amazingly knowledgeable and helpful staff who can talk you through the intricacies of the mostly Italian wine list. On previous occasions the affable bartender suggested a couple of different wines for me to try before settling on a glass, which earned my instant loyalty. That, as far as I'm concerned, is good service.

Fast-forward to last night:

Me: I'd like to try an Italian wine but I don't know very much about them. I usually drink sauvignon blanc. Is there something similar I might like?

Barman: Our sauvignon blanc is from New Zealand.

Me: Yes, I can see that. I was hoping you could recommend something new for me to try.

Barman: The sauvignon blanc is good.

Me: So, you're not going to recommend anything...?

Barman: No.

Me: Okaaay then, I'll have a glass of the Pinot grigio, please.

The second venue was one of my favourite restaurants, a busy little Italian place with good food and friendly, super-efficient service.

"You'll love it," I gushed to my friend. "Love it!" Despite making a booking we were seated at possibly the worst table in the place, next to the waiters' station (complete with garbage bin), where the serving staff gathered to clear plates and chat between courses, competing with our own conversation. With eight other tables, all of which remained empty all night, there's no reason we couldn't have been sat elsewhere.

Despite the slow night, the usually-superb service was sloppy. When it came time for our mains to be served a completely different dish to the one I'd ordered turned up so I was forced to wait, empty place in front of me, while the chef recooked it and my friend tucked in.

I understand that bars and restaurants have bad nights and that staff turn over, but I was truly disappointed that these two venues didn't live up to their own high standards. If, as a business owner, you don't mind surly staff and bad service, then at least be consistent about it - at least that way your diners will know what to expect!