Gourmet Society 11 February 2013 at 11:30AM in Going out deals 7 replies 3.4K views

fiscalfreckles

I got a free membership earlier this year but have been rather disappointed.

The first restaurant we tried to book (mentioning the card on the phone as instructed) said they were no longer taking part in the promotion.

I emailed to tell Gourmet Society, but they ignored it & haven't updated their website.

The second restaurant accepted our telephone booking, confirmed that they accepted the card, & confirmed the offer & for how many people etc (I was a bit wary this time!) and we went along. Mentioned the card again on arrival, and to the waitress as we sat down. Lovely meal but when the bill came & we presented the card, the manager said, oh you didn't show that when you ordered your food (how many times did he expect us to say it, should we have made a flashing sign??!!) & refused to honour the discount. As we were expecting 50% off this was awkward & disappointing.

I have contacted Gourmet Society - no response. I have attempted to review said restaurant on the website; they haven't posted it.

A friend has also got a card (on my original recommendation of the offer) and has commented that restaurant staff have been very sniffy whenever he's used it, several times saying it isn't valid for this or that reason.

Won't be bothering with this again, its just too patchy a "service" and potentially very embarrassing. Shame as the food was lovely, but they really made us feel uncomfortable & tight! I wonder as well, given the manager's reasoning, if we would have been served smaller portions had they realised we were using the card offer...but TBH I don't know how they didn't & what to think...

littlefisherboy

I have tried to cancel this within the free trial, obtained a code and returned my card but they have still taken £29.95 from my credit card and say they didnot receive my card. Even though I have a cancellation code they are refusing to refund. I never even used the card. To say that I am unhappy is an understatement!

Lynchers

Just posted for some thoughts on the Gourmet Card and just saw this. Thanks for the info guys, although it doesn't seem to be as good as they say.

terryw

I have only had the free trial but I have been very impressed with the card - used it a few times mainly at Indian restaurants and had no problem at all.

Lynchers

Thought everyone might be interested that the cheapest I've found it is at a wine site called the Perfect Cellar, in the Wine Gifts section for £29.99 for 18 months, which is £5 cheaper than anywhere else I've found.

Going for it...

reclaimer_2

Beware Gourmet Card free trial! My credit card was charged as soon as my trial period expired. When I queried this they claimed that they had sent me a renewal pack the previous month and as I had failed to send back the new card and cancel my membership before the billing date they were entitled to charge for a years membership and would not refund . I did not receive this letter, and although I can't prove it was never despatched, I have never had a problem with my mail delivery before !
(I also had no success on the one occasion I did try to use my free trial card as the restaurant owner said he had withdrawn from the scheme )

Alisha2008

I get the card every year free with my Nectar points, and I've never had any problems at all using it... I never had to show it before the meal and if a restaurant refused it after having mentioned it when booking, I think I would refuse to pay the bill...

If I had to pay I think TasteCard is better, it has more restaurants, but this one being free, I can't complain..

Tigerwoods

Hi,

Have you tried the Bon Appetit Card?They only have few restaurants but at least you can get to use them abroad. My partner and I use it in London as well as in Barcelona last month.

Great card.