Band 8+: You have eaten at a restaurant and it was such a terrible experience that you have decided to inform the manager by letter of what happened, and that you want your money back. Things to include: - Facts. You need to be concise but explain what happened. - Polite. No one responds to insults. - Outline what you wish from this. What do you want to happen? - Firmness. You want to be taken seriously.

To the manager,

I would like to express my regret at having dined at your establishment last night; please allow me to explain.

The table was booked two months in advance since it was to cater a major professional event, and yet we were informed by the maitre d’ upon arrival that there were no tables sufficiently large and we would have to dine separately. I did press this point with your staff as it was imperative that my party remain in each other’s company, but we were told that it was simply impossible to seat us all together.

In addition to this, several menu items were unavailable on the night, including every vegetarian option, meaning that three members of my party were left to eat only bread throughout the meal. As a result of these incidents, I had intended not to pay, but your staff informed us that they would call the police if we refused, and so to avoid further embarrassment, I complied.

This experience was entirely unacceptable, and I would like to request a full refund of the amount paid. I would also suggest that your staff not promise customers degrees of service that they are unable to provide in order to avoid disappointing experiences such as these.

Regards,

Paul Hollywood