Non-GDPR compliant process and significant ommissions on menuMy friend and I recently visited SHORYU…
My friend and I recently visited SHORYU in Westfield Stratford’s food court. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing due to some serious oversights in how they manage dietary information and refunds.
After my friend ordered, I placed my order. Just as it was being processed, the server mentioned that my dish contained alcohol—a detail not indicated on the menu board nor mentioned when my friend ordered. I was surprised that such a significant ingredient wasn’t disclosed. As someone who abstains from alcohol for religious reasons, I was grateful for the heads-up, but it highlighted an inconsistency that felt unfair. My friend, after all, could have had her reasons to avoid alcohol—whether medical, personal, or religious.
Since the alcohol wasn’t listed as an ingredient, we requested a refund. This simple request turned out to be much more complicated than expected. Instead of issuing the refund, the server presented a form requiring my friend’s banking details, with no clear information on how this data would be protected. Handing over such sensitive information on paper at a food stall in a busy shopping centre felt completely unreasonable, especially since the form lacked data protection assurances. When my friend rightly refused, we learned the server couldn't authorise the refund without a manager—who wasn’t even on duty, let alone in the shopping centre.
To the server’s credit, she did her best within her limitations. However, this issue reflects a lack of support from management and inadequate company policies. After an hour and a follow-up, the refund was finally provided, but the entire process was unnecessarily drawn out and stressful.
This situation could easily have been avoided if SHORYU had taken a few basic steps:
* List key ingredients, including alcohol, on the menu.
* Add a clause in the allergy section noting the presence of alcohol in dishes.
* Implement a straightforward, GDPR-compliant refund policy that respects customers’ privacy and doesn’t require unnecessary data.
As a restaurant in a multicultural area, SHORYU should be mindful of dietary restrictions and transparent about ingredients. This isn’t about changing the menu or removing alcohol from dishes; it’s about transparency, respect for customer concerns, and professionalism.
November 10, 2024
Unprompted review