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How (not) to complain

Restaurateurs in the UK, South Africa and the US compare stories of the most outrageous complaints they鈥檝e received - plus how to make your voice heard calmly and effectively.

How confident would you feel about complaining if a restaurant meal was not up to scratch?

Restaurateurs in the UK, South Africa and the United States compare stories of the most outrageous complaints they鈥檝e received, and how they were dealt with.

They tell Ruth Alexander how increasing numbers of customers are "weaponising" the threat of negative online reviews.

And if you鈥檙e someone who struggles to complain when things go wrong, there鈥檚 advice on how to make your voice heard calmly and assertively.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Produced by Lexy O'Connor

Image: A young woman is arguing with a waiter in a cafe. She has a pastry on her plate and is holding a cup of coffee. Credit: Getty/Wavebreak Media

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 12 Oct 2025 17:32GMT

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  • Thu 9 Oct 2025 03:32GMT
  • Thu 9 Oct 2025 12:32GMT
  • Thu 9 Oct 2025 17:32GMT
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  • Sun 12 Oct 2025 08:32GMT
  • Sun 12 Oct 2025 17:32GMT

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