"The following is an exchange of emails following a recent visit to the Temple Bar “My wife and I popped into your bar on our way home from shopping (something we often do) We ordered two glasses of Rioja (medium). We were both surprised to find the wine was Luke warm. Both were returned to the bar, we spoke to the chap on duty and explained the wine was undrinkable. While the chap was polite, he also appeared uninterested saying “We serve red wine at room temperature”. This might be appropriate when the temperature is @16 19C but not when the room temperature is 30+. I asked if there was a manager on duty but apparently there was not, it was clear we were not going to resolve matter so we left. I appreciate this very hot weather is unusual but it is not unheard of and I would have hoped some effort would be made to serve wine in a drinkable condition” Reply “Thank you very much for reaching our regarding your concerns. It pains me to tell you via email that, yes, in fact we do serve the red wine at room temperature even when there’s a continuous heatwave. I’d like to take the opportunity to inform you that upon request, we would happily have provided you with some ice to counter the issue. However since you seem to believe the staff member was uninterested I will take the opportunity to remind you that upon working in 30+ degree heat, staff may appear fatigued and tired. I trust you can understand this. Would be happy to provide you with ice next time you choose to visit Temple Bar we will welcome you with open arms” My reply “Many thanks for your prompt response, I’m not sure why it would pain you to tell me you serve red wine at room temperature (even if that room temperature is 30C) unless of course you are acknowledging is is the wrong thing to do. Your advice regarding putting ice in red wine clearly indicates this is not a drink you enjoy. I do take the point about staff working in hot conditions, as I said in my original email, he was perfectly polite, just appeared uninterested in our feedback and two undrinkable glasses of wine which we had paid for but we’re unable to drink”."
