H J
Google
Extremely Disappointing and Unacceptable Experience!
I had a shocking experience at Hidden Groves Shoreditch and will not be returning.
There were five of us and we politely asked for a table, requesting that two tables be combined. The waitress was immediately unhelpful. I noticed that two customers nearby were about to leave and their drinks were empty, so I pointed this out to her. She ignored me. I then approached the customers myself, and they confirmed they were leaving.
When I informed the waitress that the table could now be combined, she responded aggressively and said, “How dare you talk to my customers.” I was genuinely shocked by the tone and hostility. I explained that our request was reasonable, especially as she had disappeared rather than helping us. Instead of resolving the situation, she told us to leave.
I pointed out that refusing a group of five made no sense, particularly as we would easily have spent over £500. Rather than addressing this, she escalated the situation by calling security. A security guard named Philip intervened, but when I asked to see the manager, he repeatedly insisted that we leave instead of helping de-escalate or involve management.
As a Black customer, the experience was deeply uncomfortable. The entire clientele at the time was white, and I could not ignore the clear difference in how we were treated. When I raised this concern, it was immediately denied rather than taken seriously.
If you are a high-net-worth customer who expects professionalism, respect, and good service — especially if you are Black — I would strongly advise spending your money elsewhere. Racism is real, and this experience was disgusting and disgraceful.
I’m glad I chose to take my business somewhere that actually values its customers.