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I was given a £200 voucher for a special birthday. I have tried repeatedly to book but, not living in London, I can't easily start a meal at 10.30 at night, which are usually the only slots left. I have stayed up to midnight on 2 occasions to try to book a date I can do with no success.The voucher is only valid for 10 months, which is also shorter than I expected.I work full time so am not always free in the day but even if I booked leave to go, I have not been able to book a weekday lunchtime on a day I can go.So, the very generous gift is wasted.Gymkhana have pocketed the money and this is effectively a scam.
For a special birthday we went for lunch and tried the tasting menu.The reservation system was quite challenging before we even arrived and the expiry date on any vouchers is less than one year. When you have to book three months ahead the accessibility window lessens more.The food was absolutely delicious but having said that, some of it could have been hotter in temperature, especially the bread. Service, although very attentive, could have been a bit slower. We hadn’t finished the first course when plates were being brought to the table fir the next course and thing being moved.The little chocolate birthday mousse cake was a thoughtful touch at the end.Maybe I’m being old fashioned, but for the price of the meal I would have expected tablecloths, more comfortable seating and not to be stuck by a pillar.A lovely meal overall but certainly with a few tweaks the experience could have been so much more.
I recently had a rather unpleasant experience with Gymkhana reservations and I feel compelled to share my grievances. As someone who genuinely wanted to support local businesses during the challenging times of the pandemic, I purchased a voucher (£200) from this restaurant to extend a helping hand and show my solidarity. Little did I know that this act of kindness would turn into a frustrating ordeal.The voucher, which I bought during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, was a way for me to demonstrate my support and appreciation. I believed that my gesture would not only provide a much-needed boost to their revenue but also forge a sense of connection and appreciation for loyal customers like myself.However, when the time came to redeem the voucher, which was past the “use by”date” I was met with cold indifference and a complete lack of empathy from the restaurant staff. I genuinely expected at least a modicum of acknowledgment for my goodwill and the fact that I had been unable to utilize the voucher earlier due to unforeseen circumstances - but apparently it is a case of “computer says no”.The restaurant's reservations team decided to enforce a strict expiration policy, showing no regard for the difficulties their patrons might have faced during the pandemic. Instead of recognizing the sentiment behind my purchase, they dismissively shrugged off my attempts to explain the delay in redemption. Their response was disheartening, (they sent me a copy and past of their T&Cs) and it felt as if my efforts to support the restaurant were taken for granted.What adds insult to injury is the fact that many other businesses have been far more understanding during these challenging times, extending the validity of vouchers or offering alternative solutions to accommodate their loyal customers. The complete lack of flexibility displayed by Gymkhana has left me deeply disappointed.As a loyal customer I had high hopes for the restaurant to uphold their end of the deal and reciprocate the support they received during the pandemic. Unfortunately, my experience has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth and a reluctance to return.In conclusion, I urge Gymkhana to reconsider their approach towards honouring vouchers purchased during COVID-19. Demonstrating empathy and gratitude towards loyal customers during these times is crucial for building lasting relationships and fostering goodwill. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend to anyone seeking a dining experience that values its customers and recognizes their efforts to support local businesses.
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