Diner at Birmingham restaurant declines ‘excessive’ service charge – but manager ‘confronts’ him

The general manager of a Birmingham restaurant has responded after a diner declined to pay the service charge during an “awkward” encounter. The Ark in John Bright Street, which offers Indian cuisine and cocktails, has attracted hundreds of glowing reviews over the years and currently has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor.

One reviewer said: “This is an amazing restaurant and treat you like royalty. Well worth the cost of the meal and the curry was the best I’ve ever tasted. Arun served us and he was great. It’s a must to come here.”

While another said: “First time been to ark restaurant & it was beyond our expectations…. Me & my husband as a hard core foodie would like to give 5/5 for food, the presentation, ambience & service. Desi lamb curry was cooked to perfection & wild prawns were so delicious,,, will highly recommend this place.

“I am definitely visiting this restaurant for trying more variety … truly hidden gem in the heart of Birmingham.”

However, one recent visitor recently complained about the 12.5 per cent service charge, claiming it was “excessive and not necessary”. Jhsexport wrote: “It’s a good restaurant and the food is well presented.

“Just a little surprised with the 12.5 per cent service charge and the fact we were asked for the bill before the mains arrived?! When we declined the service charge, which we felt was excessive and not necessary, we were confronted by perhaps the manager for the evening, who stated the waitress was learning, and ‘everyone has to start somewhere’.

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