Review of: The Fine Burger Company

3/5 (minimum 1)

by Paddy on 05 Nov 2007

I recently visited my local branch of this relatively new chain. Burgers (beef, lamb, chicken, veggie) were the only main meal choice on the menu although you could customise your burger according to your fancy. Prices first appeared acceptable for a decent burger (see their website) but the cost of accompaniments (e.g chips @ £2.70) quickly pushed the prices up.

The staff were very friendly, perhaps in need of better organisation/training - we saw nobody for a while then were asked if we were ready to order 4 times in about 90 seconds. No big deal though. The surroundings were pleasant. It was quiet for a Saturday evening.

The food was delicious, it was indeed a fine burger and the chips were also tasty although I've had much better. The salad that we had ordered didn't arrive.

When it was time to leave, I asked for the bill and mentioned the salad hadn't arrived and requested that they check it wasn't on the bill. The bill arrived, the salad wasn't included but a 12.5% Service Charge had been added. The service wasn't great, especially since the salad was totally forgotten about. Soft drink re-fills were self service, there were 3 of us and we'd only had one course. Stealthily adding a service charge seemed outrageous. I politely asked for that to be removed too, pointing out the missing salad and that I'd like to have the decision whether to tip and if so, by how much. The waitress was somewhat taken aback at my objection and said she'd need to call the manager. Which she did and it was duly removed.

I left a £2 cash tip (5% of the bill) and we left. I thought this was generous but served to amplify the case in point.

Summary: good food, limited and perhaps a little pricey but a Service Charge policy that stinks.

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The Fine Burger Company

Tags: burger dining-out fine-burger-company restaurants service-charge tip
Homepage: http://www.fineburger.co.uk/