Paul Condron

When you walk in a restaurant at 9.10 in Dublin and the waiter looks at their watch you feel really welcome. When they tell you they're about to close but you can sit, it makes you feel like they don't want your money. When they turn up the lights when you and others are sitting there it's an equivalent to telling you to just fuck off. These are difficult times for hospitality. We're in the business of hospitality, welcoming people. Have we forgotten this? I would have easily spent another €30 in the restauran, having another glass of wine another dish or two. But they didn't want my money. Maybe they're busy enough. Maybe there are other factors. But remember, the way you greet the guest remains. At the beginning and at the end. End of rant.