Something for the Future!

When I received Wagamama's reply I was not sure how to react to it, part of me was pleased that they replied and took the matter on board but at the same time I was disappointed that there was no immediate resolution to the problem. I wonder if I am being negative or over ambitious or simply getting impatient with all the wrongs of this world, why do we have to wait endlessly for things to be corrected, and why endure the distress of being rejected simply because you lack the physical ability! And most importantly who can guarantee to be alive to see these changes so must we live and suffer and wait for the future that is not ours?

Here is Wagamama's reply.

Date received: 29th June 2012

dear......

thank you for getting in touch and I am sorry to hear you did not have a great experience on your recent visit

we have taken note of how our seating style can sometimes limit access to customers who require wheelchair access, and therefore over the years we have been introducing movable seats and tables within our new restaurants to provide alternative seating options

when building our restaurants we always ensure we oblige to dda compliance regulations and that the height of our benches and tables also comply with this. however I will of course pass on your feedback to our property team so that they are made aware that for some of our valued guests, this is an issue that we need to bear in mind while building our restaurants

please do not hesitate to get in contact if you have any further comments or queries

regards

............................................
customer service advisor

wagamama ltd t: +44 207 009 3600 | f: +44 207 009 3601 a: waverley house, 7-12 noel street, london W1F 8GQ 

wagamama
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Wa-Wa Mama

Ever wanted to go to a restaurant or felt a craving for a particular food but could not go? I am sure many people have experienced such thing but how many were prevented from following their cravings simply because they do not meet the height of the restaurant's tables?!!

Five years ago during a work internship my team decided to go to Wagamama restaurant, I was excited as I had never been before, once there I realised that I could not see the food, why you may ask, because the height of the table reached my head!!!!!! I felt bad for the rest of the team and did not feel it was fair that they all had to move because of me, so stayed but had to be fed or handed down the food by a friend.
Not only I could not join the others in their conversation but I felt like a 'pet' that is seated below the table with food handed down to it. I was so annoyed I decided never to go there again, although I have to admit their food was quite yummy.

Last month after a theatre trip my friend and I went to Westfield London and found an accessible Wagamama but once inside I saw that after all these years they still have those discriminating tables. But if they have not changed, then I have, I did not stay and tolerate like last time and will not be passive, so I wrote to complain and hope some action may soon be witnessed.

Here is my complaint:


I am a disabled person who uses a wheelchair and that in itself seems to be the deciding factor in preventing me from dining at Wagamama as millions of others enjoy doing.

The reason being is the height of your table, I appreciate it adds a unique style to your establishment but at the same time it discriminates against wheelchair users like myself, who can not reach the table, I was invited to Wagamama 5 years ago and once there i realised the table reachedlevel of my head so I had to be handed the food or fed by my companion, few weeks ago I visited Wagamama again in the hope things have improved, I was very wrong as the tables were still the same. This time I did not stay.

I don't understand why there can't be a mixture of tables, that way you ensure that everyone regardless of their height can use your establishment, and at same time maintaining your unique style .