"Ashoka South Side was a disappointment. I booked a table for Christmas Day with the promise of a glass of fizz on arrival, only to be offered a mocktail instead. It wasn't until I questioned this and showed my own copy of the menu that the promised fizz was granted. Two weeks before Christmas, we were asked to pay in full for our meal, but I was asked to pay in cash even though I preferred to use my card. On Christmas Day, despite enjoying the food, the restaurant had overbooked and took my dad's seat away, leaving us cramped on a couch against the wall. The food at Ashoka is nice, but usually lukewarm. I had to ask for my chicken to be reheated on Christmas Day. We received a voucher for £10 off our next meal, but when we tried to use it in January, the staff member was confused about the terms and conditions. The voucher stated a minimum of 2 people, but the staff member insisted it was for a maximum of 2 people. The staff member also failed to mention that the voucher couldn't be used with the pre-theatre menu until we tried to pay. When I asked to see the terms and conditions on the voucher, none were provided. Our bill came to £87, so with the voucher it would have been £77, but the staff member refused to honor it. As someone with a background in International Business Law, I know that failing to clearly state the terms and conditions of a voucher is breaking the law. The staff member's insistence on not providing the discount has led me to decide not to return to Ashoka. The food is good, but not exceptional, and I would rather dine at a place that values customer loyalty. It's a shame, as Ashoka is a local restaurant with potential, but the lack of transparency and customer care has left a sour taste in my mouth."
Chana Paneer
