Groups of Men in Indian Restaurants
Discussion
Whilst I’m sure this has done before, it would be interesting you get peoples opinions.
In larger cheaper Indian restaurants you kind of reluctantly accept that there could be large groups of men being loud and boorish, ruining the dining experience for everyone else. Naturally I avoid these places.
However when you go to Indian restaurants that market (and price) themselves as being more select having a group of circa 20 loud males on a table is frustrating. Surely the owners should recognise this, especially when they could fill the place anyway without having such groups.
A few months ago on a weekend away, my wife and I had to leave (taking our half eaten food back to the hotel) because the noise was intolerable. We observed that many other diners also left mid dinner.
Opinions and suggestions regarding this would be interesting.
In larger cheaper Indian restaurants you kind of reluctantly accept that there could be large groups of men being loud and boorish, ruining the dining experience for everyone else. Naturally I avoid these places.
However when you go to Indian restaurants that market (and price) themselves as being more select having a group of circa 20 loud males on a table is frustrating. Surely the owners should recognise this, especially when they could fill the place anyway without having such groups.
A few months ago on a weekend away, my wife and I had to leave (taking our half eaten food back to the hotel) because the noise was intolerable. We observed that many other diners also left mid dinner.
Opinions and suggestions regarding this would be interesting.
I think it's just somthing you have to accept with an Indian restaurant. It's a natural place to eat with a large group, especially males, as most people like a curry.
Having spoken with an owner in the past, it was these large bookings which made the money for the restaurant, not the couple popping in.
Having spoken with an owner in the past, it was these large bookings which made the money for the restaurant, not the couple popping in.
abzmike said:
Those 20 loud males are probably accounting for the majority of income and a large proportion of profit for the establishment. As long as they are not being totally disruptive, and just loud, they are nan from heaven for the average curry house.
I’m not referring to a typical curry house, but a quite expensive Indian restaurant. Rob 131 Sport said:
abzmike said:
Those 20 loud males are probably accounting for the majority of income and a large proportion of profit for the establishment. As long as they are not being totally disruptive, and just loud, they are nan from heaven for the average curry house.
I m not referring to a typical curry house, but a quite expensive Indian restaurant. Sadly while your point is valid one, all you can do is find another more suitable for you.
Rob 131 Sport said:
abzmike said:
Those 20 loud males are probably accounting for the majority of income and a large proportion of profit for the establishment. As long as they are not being totally disruptive, and just loud, they are nan from heaven for the average curry house.
I m not referring to a typical curry house, but a quite expensive Indian restaurant. Sy1441b said:
Went to Gymkhana with a group of a dozen guys, didn't realise we should have put out a public warning.
I'm retired now, but used to regularly go out with a bunch of colleagues and we've been loud in a wide variety of restaurants, not just Indian. If I was organising it I always tried to get somewhere with private dining and I could relax then.I go out once a month or so with a group of men I’ve been mates with over 20 years, we like to go for a curry and yes there will be 10 of us sometimes.
We do order too much food including starters and sides and usually tip on top of the bill pretty well too, can’t say we have ever had a complaint. We usually just find a curry restaurant and go in, we are I guess all well enough paid we don’t worry too much about the menu prices.
I can’t say I’ve ever noticed anyone walk out half way through a meal because of us though and I am pretty observant of my surroundings
We do order too much food including starters and sides and usually tip on top of the bill pretty well too, can’t say we have ever had a complaint. We usually just find a curry restaurant and go in, we are I guess all well enough paid we don’t worry too much about the menu prices.
I can’t say I’ve ever noticed anyone walk out half way through a meal because of us though and I am pretty observant of my surroundings
With the hospitality trade as it is, I daresay they are not only grateful for such large groups but doing everything they can to encourage them to come back.
If you want to guarantee peace and quiet, have it in private. If you're out and about you're just going to have to deal with it. I don't think you're wrong to find it annoying, but it's just part of life.
If you want to guarantee peace and quiet, have it in private. If you're out and about you're just going to have to deal with it. I don't think you're wrong to find it annoying, but it's just part of life.
That large group could be in there every week. While it was a nice treat for you and the wife while away they may be there most weeks.
When I played cricket we'd often go to the local Indian, probably once or twice a month during the season and then probably 2-3 times out of season. We were probably loud at times, but we got on well with the staff and were polite and were regulars.
Some of us were even well paid, that may shock you. The guy that actually got the most rowdy in general had more money than the rest of us combined.
When I played cricket we'd often go to the local Indian, probably once or twice a month during the season and then probably 2-3 times out of season. We were probably loud at times, but we got on well with the staff and were polite and were regulars.
Some of us were even well paid, that may shock you. The guy that actually got the most rowdy in general had more money than the rest of us combined.
This is at risk of being an awful, hand wringing post. I think that the implicit question is 'am I wrong for having walked out of a place in which part of the experience didn't suit me?'.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
You seem to be of the opinion that groups of men/women that can afford to eat at a more upmarket restaurant, are more likely to eat quietly. When in reality the class of restaurant doesn't really make a difference.
You've still got a group of people, that as soon as they are a couple of drinks in, the volume naturally increases as people start to talk over each other. Its the same whenever there is a group of people, regardless of the location, the volume will be louder.
You've still got a group of people, that as soon as they are a couple of drinks in, the volume naturally increases as people start to talk over each other. Its the same whenever there is a group of people, regardless of the location, the volume will be louder.
bolidemichael said:
This is at risk of being an awful, hand wringing post. I think that the implicit question is 'am I wrong for having walked out of a place in which part of the experience didn't suit me?'.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
Lefty said:
Yep, table of 20 boozy blokes buying more food than they can eat and lots of rounds of drinks is a win for any restaurant, especially in this climate. It might put other customers off longer term but cashflow is king right now.
Exactly. Often times blokes like to compete over who eats the hottest food - which obviously flows through to more beer sales. A win and a place - hard to blame the restaurant. Plus these guys might be regulars who have a regaular meet up and/or be part of a sports team etc. Indians have a keen eye for a pound so they're not going to turn away high spending regulars.Even if people leave they've presumably paid for their meal and been given doggy bags, this frees up tables for other diners.
Regbuser said:
bolidemichael said:
This is at risk of being an awful, hand wringing post. I think that the implicit question is 'am I wrong for having walked out of a place in which part of the experience didn't suit me?'.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
If that is, then my response is 'no'. However, I'd recognise that it's my preference that dictated my decision, rather than the presence of others in a public environment.
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