My Daughter who is Autistic and experiences extreme anxiety turned 18 recently. We took her to a restaurant, we knew she would struggle with the menu but would love the bar and the view. Prior to going I contacted the restaurant to explain that she has a disability, will only eat grey food and feels very pressured when faced with a menu. We always try and decide on choices before going. The restaurant couldn't have been more supportive by email. They said it was no problem and the options she could have. I was happy and looking forward to this experience. Upon arrival we have the waiter a cake we had brought in. They happily took it. We sat down. The waiter came to take our order. I said my daughter would be having pizza. The response was we don't serve that. I explained we had already contacted and agreed this. The waiter stood shaking his head. A further two times he said you can't have that it's on the order. My daughter was becoming more and more anxious. I said she is having that otherwise we leave. He said she isn't a child. Eventually he wrote it down and walked away muttering. The pizza was brought before any other meals. She said she felt like she was being punished and why couldn't we all eat together. Sorry three courses and a hefty bill we asked for the cake. To cut a long story short they refused to bring it unless we paid for the privilege. We refused to do this and eventually they brought the cake and dumped it on the table, no candles and in front of another guest. This while experience was ruined for her and caused her so much stress.
@Bokan who are part of Accor Hotel group have now refunded part of the bill, but that doesn't go anywhere near rectifying the experience. I really thought we had moved on from this discrimination. Surely she had the right to order without being questioned and judged.
