Diners have been left absolutely stunned after discovering that Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant actually charges patrons extra for sitting with a view of the kitchen.
A party of four had booked a table at the celebrity chef’s establishment, expecting to pay premium prices but certainly not anticipating additional fees based on their seating arrangement.
Their receipt revealed that three diners were slapped with a £20 surcharge each for occupying a ‘kitchen view seat’. The family’s meal included £28.95 for crispy pork belly, £23.95 for prawn cocktail, £90.95 for ribeye steak, and £139.90 for filet mignon, plus various sides, puddings and beverages.
The eye-watering total reached £699.90, with service charge excluded. Sharing an image of the bill on Facebook, the diner wrote: “So we won’t be eating at Hell’s Kitchen any time soon.”
One Facebook user responded: “Omg. The minute I’d of been told it’s £60 for “kitchen view” seats… I’d of be off. How is that even a thing? Being charged for facing their unavoidable kitchen. I’ll have mine in the lavy, ta.”
Reacting to the post, another commented: “I don’t understand why they do this. They could secretly add it to the prices of food instead.”
A fellow user remarked: “Sod that” I was looking at £91 for a ribeye steak. Go to Waitrose you’ll pick an absolute banger of one for £10.”
One person added: “Don’t forget gratuity not included! That’s what it says on that bill.”
Whilst another said: “Pretty sure if they have £700 for a meal, they can afford it.”
However, some diners raised concerns about the 20% service charge automatically added to bills at certain eateries.
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen website clarifies their policy with a statement: “A 20% service charge is included. 16% is distributed directly to service workers on top of their base wage and 4% is distributed to contribute towards our staff benefits. This fee is not a tip. If you would like to tip your server, we welcome you to do so.”
Although Gordon Ramsay boasts several establishments in the UK, his exclusive Hell’s Kitchen brand graces only seven locations across the US, including Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Funner, Washington, Miami, Atlantic City, and Foxwoods.
One diner raved about their experience at the Las Vegas venue on TripAdvisor, stating: “What a beautiful restaurant huge fan of the show so this was a must. Try you will not be disappointed food was amazing can’t wait to go back.”
Another guest praised the establishment: “An amazing restaurant with high quality food. My wife and daughter enjoyed all the photos from all the TV series seasons and recognised some of the chefs from the winners list of such seasons. The food was perfect and good quality and variety. The waitress was a very professional lady and helped us navigate very well the menu and the options and all personal selections. Loved it. Will always go back.”
Adding to the accolades, a third customer shared: “Lobster risotto and scallops. Delicious. Pretty environment with great view of the strip. Attentive staff, perfect date night.”
A fourth diner shared their mixed review: “It was a delicious dinner! Very busy. It’s quite expensive, and honestly, it’s ‘just a restaurant’. Beef Wellington was excellent, scallops and desserts were also great.”
They added: “The chicken dish was disappointing. Service was 10/10. I’m glad I went once, but I wouldn’t go again.”
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant has been approached for a response.