Good day everyone,
Firstly, I didn’t expect so much fuss over this issue as I do not have time to read such chitchat forums until people around me started to ask me what’s happening. My sister was kind enough to help me set up this Facebook account and I wrote the descriptions after receiving complaints about not allowing kids to enter. That’s all I did on so-called internet chit-chat platform.
I didn't have any intention to explain myself as you can’t impose your thoughts on anyone. In this instance, it is the way Sasha has expressed herself and she might have used the wrong words. She was trying to clarify matters with Kenneth but this K guy took it too personally. So, even if I had written in to clarify, there would still be some who disagree with me. As for those who wanted to boycott the place, it is fine with me as I prefer to have only a handful of appreciative customers. In a way, I should thank this K guy for creating such a buzz for my cafe. I am lucky that this is not my “bread-and-butter” business as this K guy, and others who supported him, would have thought of giving the cafe a bad image. I always believe in ‘Karma’.“High class” is for people to gauge and not for me to say it. I guess my dear daughter thinks very highly of her mum and I'm glad to know this.
I was initially angry with Kenneth’s request and the damage the group has caused. However, subsequently, I did not think about it as I take it as part and parcel of the F&B business.
Setting up this cafe was a passion and also to appreciate tea and the Victorian art decorations. It was more for my enjoyment and since the place was being set up, I thought why not open to public to enjoy the ambience as well. I know there are other places like MBS or the 5-6-stars hotels but there is a higher price to pay for. Moreover, people may like to get out of the bustle in town and settle for the suburban area instead.
Customers always think they are right because they are paying for the products/services. However, if one is gracious and considerate, one will be treated the same manner by others. Even at FairPrice outlets, they have indicated that customers are important to them, and so are their staff. We can never please everyone and just like Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the PAP. They have done so much but not everyone is contented and happy with them.
This business is not making money and since it is something that I supposed to enjoy doing, it doesn’t matter much. However, if having to deal with inconsiderate customers, I might want keep the cafe for my own use and spend more money on charities instead. Come to think about this, I am being foolish wanting to share this beautiful set-up with anyone else. After reading today’s Straits Times on PM’s comments regarding Qantas: “When the management could not resolve the issue with unions, they took the “drastic step” of grounding flights”. Is this a signal for me to just keep the cafe for my own use only!
Here is the story behind this whole saga:
The K guy’s group made reservations for 8 and I personally arranged the 8-seating as my “biggest” seating in the cafe is only for 6. There were 3 tables and 8 chairs (4 fabric armchairs + 4 cushioned chairs) arranged for them. However, 2 guys came to the counter and asked for 2-by-2 seating. I have always wanted to reject big groups as the cafe is small and it is just not conducive to cater to them. On top of that, I have only 7-table seating and this mean they are asking to occupy more than half the cafe? I find the request ridiculous and they could see for themselves the size of the cafe and the seats available.
After that, the 8 people sort of “separate” off with some standing and talking to one another. This is really odd for a group to come together but not mingling together. If they had wanted separate discussion groups, they should have gone to bigger restaurants/cafes which could cater to their needs.
Initially, they ordered the berry tea for most of them and cake set. However, I was out of the berry ice and so told the service staff to inform them. They were unhappy and changed their order to ice lemon tea and a pot of hot tea.
K’s group could see that I was the one cleaning the mess. I basically had to “sock” several blotched patches in bleach, scrubbed with Cif and do so again the next day.
On no-kids rule: Initially I allowed kids. I could not understand how parents could just ignore their kids and kept chatting with their friends. I pity the young ones as my cafe does not have the space nor the facility to entertain them. Furthermore, I do not wish the kids to consume caffeine drinks at such young age and I do not have other type of drinks suitable for them. To me, there are different places for different purposes. If we are out with the kids, they should be our priority and bring them to places they could enjoy most. Do you bring your kids to the pub when you want to drink with your friends or do you bring your kids to Jurong Bird Park and hoping to show them what an orang utan looks like?
On food:
I am not an experienced chef nor do I employ one. So, I have always mentioned that I do not really offer special food but unique ambience. However, I do have comments from people that the food was “good”. I guess it is personal tastes that matters. Just like one “Jaime” who wrote that my food was “average”.
Final note:
I would think it is better for people not to jump onto the “bandwagon” and start criticising without finding the truth. This can kill, if not damage. However, I always like to take things in positive light and this has definitely helped me see how cruel words/thoughts could be. There are so many catastrophic situations around us and we should be spending our time more meaningful than trying to “close” down someone’s business. Have a Heart and be compassionate!
PS: Pardon me if there is any grammer or typo errors. NO one is PERFECT!
With kind regards to all,
Christina
