Unpleasant meal at Mugg and Bean

MUGG & BEAN Head Office To Whom it May Concern

On Saturday 14 November 2020 about 10:30 we decided to have a light meal at Mugg & Bean Riverside Mall Nelspruit, Mbombela. We based our orders on the appetising photos and expected to receive similar looking, well prepared and tasty food, as Ben Filmalter had always intended. We sat and waited for over half an hour, during which time there was absolutely NO staff contact to possibly elaborate on why we had to wait (so long) or ask if we would like anything else. There was no apology for the long wait. The food looked nowhere near as it was depicted on the photos in the menu. Eggs Benedict – the ham, with dried up curling edges peeked out underneath the Hollandaise sauce on top of some tough, not fresh-baked item, which, together with everything else on the plate was on the colder side of lukewarm. Buttermilk Chicken Strips – the strips were cold and soggy, and really unpleasant. The French fries were dark brown and slightly warm. Consequently most of this meal was not eaten.

To dish up a meal such as this and take people’s hard earned money for it is appalling. The bill came to R259.00 – which, for such an unpleasant meal from a nationwide establishment that is supposed to pride itself on its food truly was an insult to the memory of Ben Filmalter. It was also an insult to us - the customers. Although the waitress Mpho was friendly, she was not efficient or knowledgeable. We asked for an Americano and were asked whether we want hot or cold milk with it!!! She also did not upsell. We never saw any management or anyone who looked as though they were in charge, let alone anyone bothering to enquire how we were ‘enjoying’ our meal. Which needless to say, we were not! It was evident that nobody really cared. The restaurant trade was not busy, so there was no excuse to not attend fully to customers. (not that that is ever an excuse!) Frankly, were really peeved and upset and will not be visiting that establishment again. Sadly, we will think very hard about ever visiting any Mugg&Bean again. The bill and POP is in our possession. Christine Baer *** ***