Pakistani grill restaurant Mughli has hit out at a one-star Google review, in which a diner complained about a bill of £122 and called the Curry Mile favourite’s dishes ‘small and over-priced’.
The diner claimed that they went as part of a party of six to the Wilmslow Road spot, favoured by locals and celebrities alike, but found they were not given enough food. They then say that they ‘had to go to another restraunt (sic) to get more food as coudn’t (sic) afford they small portions and high prices’.
The issue of an £11 service charge was also complained about, but owners of the restaurant then took to Twitter to clarify some of the economic realities of restaurant ownership, also questioning how a group of six expected to be sufficiently fed with ‘two curries and a mixed grill’.
“We all got bills to pay, my friend, but I’ll break it down for you,” the restaurant said. “Numbers next to each item on our menu. Those are the prices. Small portions? 2 curries & a mixed grill (for 2) is a little light for SIX.”
They went on: “As for your £18.50 per person, deduct:
• £3.10 for VATman
• £6.50 for cost of goods, that’s before the recent increases by the way, Ian. Have you been shopping recently?
• approx £5.50 towards labour (and that’s assuming they’re all on min wage. Spoiler alert. They’re not).
“Leaving approx. £3.40 to pay our utility bills for the two hours you & your friends enjoyed the benefits of our air-conditioning, extraction, cooking & lighting. It’s not pretty out here & it’s most likely gonna get much worse before it gets any better.
“Let’s be kind to those struggling alongside us. We’re all feeling the pinch together & no amount of new kettles is gonna fix it. Instead, channel your frustration and be vocal against those exploiting us or taking advantage during these hard times. They need to hear it most.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, co-owner Haz Arshad said: "It was the first restaurant that our dad set up, and we've been involved in it back from when we were in our teens. So Mughli for us was dad's business and it's a real labour of love.
"People are always held to account in terms of service standards, and you'll always find a family member present, we pride ourselves on that. It's not just a chain. So you do take it a little bit personally.
"Hospitality is not having a great time at the moment, and I think a lot of people are venting their frustration at the wider economy, and that's having a significant impact. There's a fight for survival. I don't think people fully understand that yet, because we're only at the beginnings of it."
The restaurant has welcomed a number of famous faces over the years, including Ed Sheeran, who turned up one night with the late cricket legend Shane Warne, as well as one former Prime Minister, food writing legend Nigel Slater, Girls Aloud and actor Jared Leto.
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