This interesting press release came my way - just another marketing ploy from desperate restaurateurs do you think? Will it work? Would love to hear your views!
Sanctum Sin-Bins Service Charges
Tipping is the new taboo. Diners, desperate to do the right thing, are confronted with news of changing laws and administration charge overhauls. Gone are the days when you could simply slip a well-deserved crisp note into the grateful hand of your waiter. It’s difficult to know who gets what. That is until now…Entrepreneur Mark Fuller is sin-binning the service charge at his Sanctum Soho Hotel and its restaurant No.20. Conscious that customers pay a prescribed percentage every time they order, great value dinner and drinks can become crippling credit card eaters that only benefit the big boys and girls.
With many of London’s top establishments forcing customers to pay 12.5% service charge, whether the service warrants it or not, Fuller wants his guests to know what the bill will be from the outset. Shying away from false discounts laden with terms and conditions, Sanctum and No.20’s prices are refreshingly transparent, offering people the chance to order what they desire without the worry of a sly sting at the end of the night. For those who want to reward staff, customers are encouraged to show their gratitude in the time-honoured tradition of handing over some cool hard cash.
Fuller comments: “Service charges cleverly manipulate prices. You head out with a budget in mind, and its blown out of control with an unwanted tax. I want guests of my hotel and restaurant to know what they’ll be paying when they leave. There is nothing worse than the bitter taste of a surprise bill. What you see is what you pay at Sanctum. It’s just not Rock and Roll otherwise, and I encourage others to do the same.”
Service charges have been removed from the restaurant No.20, Sanctum bar and hotel room service. However, tips are very welcome and should go directly to those who deserve it.
Sanctum Soho Hotel and No.20
20 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NF
020 7292 6100
www.sanctumsoho.com
