Lucio's Pizzeria Blackheath has lost that personal touch

On the 22nd of March 2023 my wife and I decided to go out for dinner, and since Lucio's in Blackheath is one of our favorite restaurants we decided to go there.

Upon arrival we asked to be seated in the old dinning area, on the righthand side, as it has nostalgic value for us and still represents the old Lucio's we loved so dearly.

The young lady receiving patrons informed me that on instruction by the owner we could only be seated in the new dinning room to the left.

I insisted on being seated in the old dinning room so I asked to speak to a manager.

An older lady (unsure if she is a manager) concurred that we could only be seated in the new dinning area (presumably because it still had capacity.)

Incensed we elected to leave and find another, more friendly and accommodating restaurant in the area.

In all the years that I have frequented this establishment I have never been treated this way. The previous owner was lovely. He always greeted us with a warm smile and he would often join our table and have a drink and chat with us.

The new owner has apparently lost that personal touch.

Don't get me wrong, their food is excellent, however I doubt that I will ever get to dine at what I consider to be a gem of a restaurant. At least, it used to be.