I had a disappointing experience at Watford's recently. My parents brought me here because they'd…read morehad a great experience before, so expectations were high. I was at the bar with my husband and my parents, and I'd had one and a half drinks over the course of the evening, nowhere near intoxicated. We were talking and laughing at a normal volume. At one point the tables around us were so loud I asked the bartender to speak up because I couldn't hear her explaining one of the drink specials. She was gracious about it, moved closer, and said, "I'm sorry, it's ladies night." If anything, that showed how loud the room already was before I said a word. Even my parents, who are the first to tell me if I'm being too loud or out of line, agreed afterward that I hadn't acted out in any way. The owner, Donna Watford, came over and told me to quiet down.
I should mention, this isn't unfamiliar territory for me. I've worked in Michelin starred restaurants and I know what's expected of a guest and what isn't. What struck me was the tone and framing of how I was singled out. I wasn't being disruptive or unruly. It felt distinctly like I was being policed for being visibly and audibly gay rather than for actually being too loud. Other tables around us were just as animated and weren't approached.
When I told Donna she shouldn't speak to a customer that way, she said, "I can because it's my restaurant." That response told me everything I needed to know. This isn't a business that sees hospitality as a two way street, or values the people paying to be there.
I'd think twice before going back, and I'd want other guests, especially LGBTQ+ folks and anyone visiting with family, to know what kind of experience to expect here.
