We were around town and was craving for a beer or other beverages. I've heard people talk about The Mad Hen before and seems to always have some people when I'm there. The last time I was on the Island, I didn't get to go because I was so busy trying other places but told myself I want to try this place next time I come back. It's my birthday weekend and I had to deal with this rudeness and unprofessional service. I myself have worked in the service industry before and know how hospitality industry should be like. This is NOT even close. I do have to point out that the Caucasian young man working there today was willing to accommodate us but told us to wait for him to clear the table, as the other group just left. We agreed and waited patiently, then after 3mins a Caucasian young woman came and saw us and asked how many (no smile, no greetings, no eye contacts, and didn't ask what the customer wants or needs). She quickly threw a table together that's located inside and told us to sit there and said "just tie your dogs on the metal fence there" as she pointed toward the fence on the patio. Mind you, there was 2 tables that were available. Two other table still had customers dining (food and drinks). We were worried about our dogs as they are not "just dogs", they are our children. We awkward sat down inside and the same young man came out and said "I'll clear it now and you can sit here" on the patio. The same young woman rush out from the other side of the restaurant and said "sorry, you can sit there" and just left. Clearly there wasn't a rule we can't sit there and the waiter said we could and he'll go fix it up for us. Not that there's a policy like that since there's clearly still people on the patio eating. BUT the least she could do is say "I'm sorry but we usually close off the patio ____mins before closing", "would you like to sit with your dogs or would it be okay that you tie them up on the fence over there on the other side", or "Our kitchen closing ____mins before closing, so we no longer serve food or it's the last call but would you still be willing to stay for drinks. There was still half an hour and all we wanted was ONE beer for each of us. She didn't care to guide us to our table or wait for us to be seated and just told us to sit over there and left, but came running from the other side to tell us we can't sit on the patio and HAD to sit inside, when there's two groups on the patio? I could be wrong but the past two time passing by and this time actually being in there, all the workers I see are Caucasian and all the customers there are Caucasian. Hey, nothing wrong with Caucasians. I got lots of friends that are caucasians and my boyfriend is half white but like all the other restaurants (Mexican, Bar, Coffee Shops, bistros), stores, and brewery I've been in Gibsons have different ethnicity except The Mad Hen. We clearly didn't seem welcomed at all. Do you leave your kids outside while you dine inside? Yes, you can argue they are "animals" or "pets" and many people do it and totally okay. But not everyone wants to. I'm sure some pet owners or animal lovers can understand. My baby is a rescue and gets anxious. I'm a customer, there's empty tables, the restaurant is still open, and there are still customers on the patio so the LEAST the staff could have done is explain or kindly ask us to be separated. We sat down awkwardly feeling like WE did something wrong and that we weren't welcomed. In the service industry that's already considered a fail (don't even talk about space for improvements, attitudes and service are supposed to be priority). We sat for 3mins and no menu, no water, no staff (yes a short time but since everyone had their food and drinks, plus it's the first thing you give to your customer right after you seat them down if not HAVE MENU READY while you seat them down. You can come running to tell us where NOT to sit but can't get us a menu or water? Weird. We stood up and decided to leave (could have just walked out) but still thought we should at least have the etiquette to let them know we decided to leave. We informed the waitress who's still not anywhere close us, but on the other side of the restaurant. She just said "ok". During my time in the service industry, when customers say that...the least we did was apologize for any inconvenience or reason that may cause them to want to leave. Even if it's a more causal setting, we as staff still have to say "okay, have a good day" or "okay, thank you anyways" when we stood up and untied our dog, one old Caucasian guy just stared at us until we left. Like okay? You still have a whole plate, please focus on your own food and mind your own business. This is the first time on ANY Islands (vibes are usually more chill) and the first time in Gibsons that I encountered such service and attitude.
There's SOOOO many amazing place around with great service and delicious food that's actually worth the time and money. read more