Having done events for 25 years, this is the first time I had a negative experience with a venue I was interested in hosting an event at. I met them first during summer '18 and they were interested in me hosting my summer party there and invited me to a meeting with their events manager/promoter. Turned up and waited for a while having spoken to the owner and manager. The events promoter eventually turned up with a baby in a buggy, another kid in tow and her husband. I don't care much for formalities but having exchanged emails with her beforehand, I found this quite odd. I was asked to join them outside and while we attempted to chat, she had to keep telling her kids off! I suggested we go inside at which point she left the kids with her husband outside and went inside with me. We sat a table and started discussing the event I wanted to host at their restaurant. Within minutes, said husband and children had joined us they were ordering food and drinks. I did my best to stay patient as I am always on the lookout for new venues to host my events. Having agreed on a date and discussing about following up, I left.
The following bits of communication we had led to nowhere. They had already told me that they were interested in attending my summer BBQ parties that I host in the neighbourhood. I sent them invitations to every one of them. They didn't turn up. The whole point of doing an event there just didn't seem to be happening, so I hosted my public event at another venue. I touched base with them recently and the events manager said she is no longer working for them and asked me to speak to the owner. I emailed him and the manager and received no response. I called them and was asked to email again. I did. No response. It is my fault! I should have given up then. But I decided to contact them a few days ago and see if I can host my Christmas Party there.
I was invited to meet them today 27/11/18 between 2.30pm and 3pm. I got there around 2.35 and the manager asked me to wait for (in his own words) "a couple of minutes," as they'd had some customers come in and need to attend to them. Fair enough. I waited. But "a couple of minutes" turned into half an hour, and I honestly got sick of waiting. I was irritated by the fact that they had messed me around repeatedly and started to tell the manager that he could have just called me or texted me when the customers had arrived and asked me to come a bit later. Common sense! Anyway... long story short, we ended up having an argument and I told him that I will, not tolerate their unprofessional and inefficient attitude having wasted my time, and that I could write about this on Google reviews and share it on social media. At this point, he stated that this was "not nice!" The owner got involved and we argued a bit more and I was told to "not raise my voice." The owner even had the cheek to put his finger on me and ask me to leave. At this point I decided to raise my voice higher. I was asked to leave, and I did. Almost being shooed out the door he tried to put his hand on me and I yelled "don't you fucking touch me!" At this point he backed off.
This was the first time I have had such a negative experience with a venue. 25 years of doing events and being an award-winning journalist/presenter (and reviewer!) it is ironic that I have worked with several Italian brands, restaurants, bars, chefs etc - and I have always found Italians very easy to work with. Direct, straight-forward, professional, and hospitable. But as they say, every rule has an exception. And Satyrio is The One!
Unfortunately for them, I also run a what's app group neighbours (many members) another group for residents and those who live nearby, and I am also part of a few local societies and have a large database of Londoners who attend my various events and promotions. I told them that I would write this review, share it on social media, and send the link to these groups I am a part of. They may or may not realise this, but word of mouth (or word of keypad, in this case!) is very much a powerful tool and I can guarantee them that none of my contacts, neighbours, locals that I know of etc., will go to their restaurant.
I feel quite bad about writing this review as this is the first time, I am doing something that can be considered a "scathing review," but there's always a first time, isn't there?
Satyrio is run by a team that lacks basic courtesy, common sense, manners, efficiency and the degree of professionalism that should come with what is being called (in their own words) a "fine dining restaurant & wine bar!"
If I were you, I would avoid this restaurant. Especially if you are looking for a venue to do a private event, or a public event, a fun party, or any gathering of people for that matter. T read more