I purposely made a reservation for an author reading (Night Train to Odesa) at THE GLOBE in Prague…read more
In 2018, I had been a Peace Corps Community Service Volunteer in Ukraine working with city government and displaced people. I still have friends there, so I was very interested in what the author had to say.
In the past, I booked tables at The Globe for InterNations and the International Women's Association of Prague.
On this occasion, my guest and I arrived early, purchased the author's book (plus 2 more), and checked in at the restaurant. Only two ladies were seated ahead of us.
After we sat at a small table, the server told us we had to move to the audience chairs or the back tables. I said I had a confirmation of my reservation and asked her twice: why do we have to move? She never asked my name, despite my reservation. She just said the manager wanted us to move.
We planned to eat dinner, so we moved to a rear table rather than the individual chairs. Soon afterward, a single man sat at the table we initially had. He wasn't asked to move.
I make reservations to be assured a decent seat, because (due to an injury) I have eyesight and hearing issues.
I DID reserve a table.
The Globe DID confirm this twice by email. Instead, I was disappointed to be moved from table 5.
After the man kept the table, I went to the bar for clarification. Instead I was treated badly for asking. Because of the music and my hearing, I spoke loudly. He said he didn't like my attitude, because I asked for an explanation. I was not given a satisfactory answer, nor was I provided with a better table despite my reservation.
The manager actually turned away from me and made no attempt to rectify the situation. No apology for the confusion. No real explanation. He did show the paper with reservations to the server and said Table 5. We didn't get table 5, because the party of 1 man took it.
I have previously booked groups of 8 people for trivia and other events at the Globe. We spent money eating and drinking, but I will choose other locations now.
During my university years, I worked as a server. I still overtip, even though Czech people don't tip at all.
I was never insulted in a restaurant before. This was a first.
I was so disappointed that I didn't ask the author any questions about her time in Ukraine. A rarity for me.
I do want my personal and professional friends to be aware about my negative experience at The Globe.
Fortunately for me, there are other places in Prague who welcome me and my money. Trivia at the Down Under, if anyone cares to join me.
(My apologies for ranting. I was much angrier two days ago.)
Two stars ONLY because I like the Bookstore and the author reading.
Zero for the restaurant service
