Reviewing the UK'S RUDEST RESTAURANT!?

[@PeteFindsObscureStuff]

I've been there for the abuse and they must have been having an off day, they were relatively pleasant, almost accommodating!! I was gutted!!

[@GaryEats]

I burst out laughing at this comment lol

[@SnookerMafia-or6nu]

Haha that was funny. Great comment. 😂

[@OuterSpaceOwl]

😂😂😂

[@paulinemanifold436]

​@@GaryEatsMe too! Hilarious 😂

[@ftumschk]

You should have asked for your money back :)

[@spennybullen2178]

Used to go regularly when I lived in London. Make sure you know what you want from the menu board outside so you can order as soon as the staff arrive at the table and then sit back to watch the tourists getting abused. I remember sitting along from an American family where the gent asked for "Duck and pineapple, but can I have it without the pineapple?" The waiter replied "It says f*cking pineapple, you get f*cking pineapple!" whilst poking the menu with their pen.

[@marinapowell8903]

ICONIC

[@robertbox5399]

Awesome. Fast food places near work in Shanghai were the same. I wouldn't have a clue without a local what to do or order. Chopsticks from a dispenser on the table and everyone slurping away on their noodles. When in Rome.

[@jasonantigua6825]

That’s crazy! I’ve always found Chinese people to be very polite and respectful!

[@GaryEats]

wow that is hilarious lol

[@sawahtb]

They have a popular restaurant in London Chinatown, they don't care. Best go with the program.

[@ftumschk]

We used to go to Wong Kei a lot when I was a student. When it was busy, we'd be split up and made to sit at separate tables, already part-occupied by other diners. "You sit here!", the waiter would say, and you never argued! My favourite Wong Kei moment was when a drunken pair of yuppies tried to queue-jump, only to be told in no uncertain terms "You go to back of queue!". One of the yuppies rudely replied, "Now, look here Johnny!", which was a big mistake! Grabbing him firmly by the arm, the waiter escorted him away, saying "Don't call me Johnny! Back of queue this way!" Happy days.

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

I love that ❤

[@Dingzyy]

What went wong?

[@johnbowes7182]

if you need the abuse you are moron ffs twat

[@walterekurtz4320]

Haha. The best was when you took someone who didn't know its reputation, so you could just sit back and watch their reaction. It was more like a kind of avant-garde theatre in the 80s than a restaurant.

[@Simon-50gtf]

This story / comment has appeared on other blogs of different restaurants 😂

[@huntergray3985]

I remember going to Wonky's several times nearly thirty years ago, the staff would make a special effort to insult customers, it was great fun, especially if you were not the one being abused. It's disappointing to hear that the new management cannot even be bothered to provide bad service for their customers.

[@GaryEats]

It’s changed a bit now for sure

[@goodgood9955]

That's right. Very famous, especially among students. Those were the days.

[@jumpstar9000]

I used to love it back in the early 90s. Wasn't there another entrance down an alley way. Or did they move. Anyway, it was absolutely on a Friday or Saturday night. Good times. 😎

[@paulmidsussex3409]

@@jumpstar9000 I am sure it was in Wardour Street which I remember as being narrower than that. Also it was darker, and raining.

[@jamesupton4996]

Back in my London Uni student days, forty years ago - great fun.

[@travelhelps7071]

My best experience was when they threw a customer out with a "dont-ever-come-back" and another waiter across the floor shouted "no, not-even-for takeaway"

[@GaryEats]

🤣

[@Sleepymoo123]

Lol!

[@BrodyLuv2]

😆🤣

[@alfredocalzadilla7251]

Hahaha!

[@djstevie69]

Bet they came back 😀

[@Cam2u]

Gary, we used to go late 80's/early 90's when it was infamous for rudeness. They would literally chuck the food down at you and take it away before you had finished. It was part of the attraction of a drunken Friday night out. 😂

[@GaryEats]

That sounds like great fun after a few drinks 🍷

[@UnexpectedJourney59Eng]

Ditto, it was late 90's when I went for the first time... a brilliant concept! :)

[@Jello836]

I’ve been going there for decades. Believe it or not they are much better than before. Foods good for a quick meal on the way home from work.

[@bigguy7353]

Wow. So I wouldn't have paid after that treatment.

[@bigguy7353]

​@@UnexpectedJourney59EngIt was done before in America.

[@taniaedwards4702]

I used to go there during the 1980s when I was working at the Apollo Theatre. As you came through the door they would shout 'what do you want, what do you want???' You had to know what you wanted before you went in! They used to have a wooden drawer where they kept all of their money, no fancy tills, they just added everything up in their heads. The food was lovely though, and the take away portion was huge and a bargain price. So glad you visited Wong Kei Gary, brought back happy memories - thank you. Love from Chirpy and Tania.

[@GaryEats]

I’m pleased it brought back some good memories

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Wha you waaaaant?

[@simonf7623]

Well done for trying it Gary! This place brings back memories as I used to go there in the 80s for lunch, working nearby in Soho. It's reputation for rudeness was forged back then as it was the busiest restaurant in Chinatown - and they could fill the whole place easily each day. So it was a matter of turning the tables quickly with no time for cordial communication! The meals were cheap compared, and they fed you like a horse. It's much better now for customer service and the prices are still relatively low compared to the other options in Chinatown. The quality is very middle of the ground though, so you can't have everything. I was such a frequent customer they stopped being abrupt and rude to me, and one waiter even got me a free bowl of soup each time I visited :)

[@davesy6969]

How dare they not be rude to you. :)

[@geoffpoole483]

I was such a regular back in the 80s that they always undercharged me.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much and it was a funny recommendation in the end

[@debowiec3]

I've always liked Chinese food and some of the soups are great!!!

[@jkspepper05]

This!!! Is HK full stop. All small restaurants in HK operate this way, they efficient to a fault, all job no chat. But once they see you as regular everything changes and you become a friend. It’s freat

[@karenward267]

I’m a Brit living in San Francisco, home of the largest Chinese community outside of China. Many of the restaurants and the take outs are cash only. Also, many people only pay with cash, not a credit card society. Mondays at the banks, many merchants deposit the cash taken in over the weekend; then on Fridays, the merchants return to the bank to take out cash to be able to make change over the weekend. Timing is everything when going to a bank on those days. Really enjoy your content. Very honest reviews, plus good recommendations when I travel to the UK.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so very much Karen and you make a really valid point 👍

[@martinparkus5956]

Another great review Gary. How could the staff even think of being rude to you the nicest man they could have in the restraint. A true gentleman

[@GaryEats]

Oh Martin, that's lovely of you to say thank you

[@snipelite94]

You have to say "MY SCHOOL BETTER THAN YOUR SCHOOL!" Then somersault out of your seat and land in dragon whip stance 🥷🥷

[@silviodawson3414]

We went there in the 90s, we were told to sit on a long table. The couple next to us, asked for a better table, the waiter took away their tea and told to find one in another restaurant !! 😂

[@geoffpoole483]

I was there when a couple came in and asked for a quiet table. The waiter told them, "This is a noisy restaurant!"

[@silviodawson3414]

@@geoffpoole483 🤣

[@teddyb4957]

I was there when a middle aged city worker came in with his mistress [it was obvious!], the waiter 'barked at them' "Yo sit there" pointing to a half-full large circular table. The man then said "No, we would like a table for two"...the waiters response?..." you no wanna sit there, you £uck off"...that's how notorious Wong Kei's was in the 80s before the refurb/new management.😅

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

@@geoffpoole483 FACT . NO INSULT !

[@GaryEats]

Lol wow that is incredible

[@FULLENGLISH5557]

Bless Gary, there’s something endearing about watching him and his content. He doesn’t use any camera techniques or special editing, just a man getting stuck in while upholding a level of professionalism. 👍🏻

[@GaryEats]

That’s very kind to say and really appreciated, both me and my son try and keep it simple

[@FULLENGLISH5557]

@@GaryEats Even better you do this with your son. Love the content, feels like your watching a programme. keep it up good sir!

[@paulsawtell3991]

I don't doubt the sincerity behind these strange videos but as the host himself rightly says, "It's all about the flavour" and as viewers cannot get a sniff let alone a taste I honestly fail to see what purpose these contributions serve other to allow an ex- publican to share his opinions. That's fair enough of course but seldom mentioned in much of the bizarre 'hero worship' comments. Gary is of course not the only one to have gone in for this kind of thing but i do wonder how any such videos can communicate meaningfully the true character of the food wherever it may be from.

[@FULLENGLISH5557]

@@paulsawtell3991 strange videos? Have we looked at your uploads lol

[@karenebevanswild115]

​@@paulsawtell3991who hurt you ??!!! You comment is totally irrelevant.!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@simonbaker5972]

Gary, great review! You brought back happy memories. We used to go there in the 80's after the pub closed after a few sherbets. it was funny getting insulted. We loved it! The funniest was when one of the waiters said "You sit down fish face!". I couldn't stop laughing. I'd give it a 7.5!

[@witchmellor]

That would be about my era haha, great memories. Cheers mate

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Simon lol!!

[@nickfilleul3463]

Nostalgia for me from the 80’s. The rudeness was fun and I think especially reserved for the inebriated (me and my mates). One time we were sat right by the door and it was cold day, and the busy entrance door kept opening. We politely asked for a different table at which point the waiter drew a chefs knife from his belt and slammed it pointy end into the table where it boinged menacingly and he just said “you sit here or you go”. Needless to say we went back many times for similar levels of abuse. Love that place. Great review as always Gary, I envy you for your asbestos mouth. Fast sit-down decent Chinese food for the busy and the one hour for lunch community probably sums it up.

[@GaryEats]

I wish I went a few years ago

[@DMWBN3]

It's the way out partially why I don't like hot and spicy 😐

[@carlzeiss4871]

My wife’s family are Chinese, they have multiple restaurants here and in Hong Kong. Couple of tips for you; it’s perfectly acceptable for you to pick up your rice bowl with your other hand and eat out of it bringing it up close up to your face. Also, if you want more tea, put the teapot near the edge of the table, remove the lid and balance it between the spout and body of the teapot. They will notice this and bring you a new pot of tea without saying a word. Neither are vital but might just help very slightly for you to enjoy your meal.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much for the information

[@janwilson7397]

Used to go there regularly when i lived down South years ago, great food, no frills and entertainment from waiting staff. Afterwards used to love going shopping in the Chinese supermarket shops for ingredients you couldn't buy elsewhere in those days.Bought a wok it's so heavy enough to kill someone if you hit them with it!.... But its still going strong 40 years later. Great buy and brings back memories every time i use it.

[@GaryEats]

I really hope this brought you back some wonderful, wonderful memories, Jan

[@nimmichagger165]

Mate, been there loads of times. They’re not rude at all. It’s a combination of culture, staff on minimum wage, and turnover of covers. Chinese people can appear abrupt, but they’re not rude. It’s just efficient communication! And I quite like to be left alone once I’ve got my food - if I need anything, I can always just ask. Food is always consistently good, but not excellent. It’s reasonably priced, but don’t expect haute cuisine. It’s a solid 7/10. Great review as always, Gary. Cheers, mate!

[@geoffpoole483]

I haven't been for years but it's probably based on workers' canteens in China. You go in, order, eat, pay and leave. That's its function. If you want haute cuisine go elsewhere. On one visit I was on a table with some regulars who were practically on first name terms with the staff.

[@GaryEats]

Yep, they're abrupt but wouldn't say rude. More than welcome anytime

[@jilllawton8556]

@@GaryEatswhat u want

[@nicolasmalley306]

Since when has culture been an excuse for bad manners ? If you’re in hospitality, you need to not be rude or not bother at all .

[@nicolasmalley306]

@@geoffpoole483 good manners don’t cost anything

[@carxtras]

I used to love going to Wong Kei's back in the 90s / early 2000s. The whole point is that if you go as a group and are all a bit pissed up, then the waiting staff will be brusque, hostile or downright abusive. The supposed disdain for the customers is part pantomime, partly real (the latter if you happen to be complete a**sholes) but it's also highly entertaining. Of course, we were good natured but always respectful yet still got tonnes of abuse! We especially used to crack up when the waitresses brought crispy duck and cut it up at our table. So fast their hands are just a comical blur of action - no group can ever keep a straight face ;-) Cash only of course. And the food is pretty average unless you know what to order. Miss it though! Thanks Gary for bring back some good memories!

[@GaryEats]

I’m pleased it brought back some good memories

[@jennifertselentis4755]

Not really from experience chinese, not very polite or friendly

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

Yep . They don 't like drunks . Bad for business .

[@humdumdiggdy]

The Karen's of their day

[@GaryEats]

Lol

[@kwaan1977]

The old school staff who I remember from the 80’s must have returned home during the pandemic as there are new faces waiting now. Favourite memory of Wong Kei was having just left one day a man was thrown out and shouted at for 5 minutes until another waiter came out with his guitar 😂

[@GaryEats]

Wow great memories

[@shukyization]

You’ve got strong guts Gary. They’ve been fined £40k because mice and cockroaches were found in their kitchen by food standards agency. I’m obsessed at FSA website before going out to eat. If you google it you’ll find the article. It’s not first time, they should really shut down places that don’t keep up the standards as people health matters the most.

[@GaryEats]

I have to say that is not good to find out, thankfully I was all good afterwards

[@fmcm7715]

Only £40! Sure that’s nothing to a cash only restaurant😂

[@shukyization]

@@fmcm7715 £40k is a lot but record of fine and poor fsa rating is bad. You’re right, cash only I’m sure they have a lot under the mattress.

[@Skankhunt42-gg6vf]

@@fmcm7715dumbass

[@jacobthorpe4316]

@@fmcm7715 40,000. That's a bit of a hit.

[@Timalloy6782]

Not been online for a while, good to come back and watch a few of you're videos i've missed Gary

[@GaryEats]

How you doing Tommy?

[@Timalloy6782]

@@GaryEatsI'm doing fine thanks for asking Gary

[@mantistoboggan5171]

​@@Timalloy6782you could've asked Gary how he was too. Ruder than the restaurant staff....😊

[@Timalloy6782]

@@mantistoboggan5171 you're creepy

[@mantistoboggan5171]

@@Timalloy6782 was being sarcastic.

[@angellomaltezo8291]

Hi Gary, I know it might sound as exaggeration but it's not. You have become such a familiar person. I usually watch your videos in the evening when i return home from work, while having dinner. Your videos offer some comfort after a long day at work, and when Iam having dinner alone, eating, while watching your video gives the impression that i am not alone. You are sitting on the other side of the table. Believe it or not , behind your reviews there is a lot more that you offer us. You offer us company, you help us forget loneliness, you are some friendly comfort for many of us. We live in lonely times so rest assured that we really appreciate your efforts to always come up with new reviews, travelling around and presenting a wide range of foods. You are a good man Gary, I hope life treats you well and your hard work on youtube is rewarded. A big THANK YOU

[@baghabit7696]

I resonate. Gary’s videos/narration are like a kind and familiar face/presence 🥹. I also appreciate that he’s genuine and not annoying like many other YTers

[@KevinJones-qp9er]

I agree definitely the best food review channel on You tube , hope this channel gets thousands more subscribers and grows and grows for him .

[@GaryEats]

Wow Angello, those are extremely lovely words and actually made me quite emotional which is why I took time to reply to this comment. I'm glad I could be helpful and that you enjoy the videos, if you'd like to send me an email I would appreciate it - thank you.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Kevin

[@Jakdaw]

Went there on the evening of the 31st December 1999 - there were people queuing for an hour in Leicester Square to get a hot dog; we thought we'd try our luck joining the queue at Wong Kei's - got shouted to a table within 10 minutes and 5 minutes later had food in front of us! Awesome!

[@GaryEats]

It’s definitely quick service 👌

[@flashtheoriginal]

Ive eaten there. Proper cantonese cuisine, you sit where you are told, likely to end up with strangers on your table. Deeelish. Basic furnishings but so what? Quick conveyor belt mentality. They want you in, then out. Limited customer service Its cash only with an unitemised bill. For a reason....

[@GaryEats]

Indeed

[@stevechandler4607]

We’ve got a Chinese take away round my way called ‘Winner’ the lady who picks the phone up is funnily rude, someone once asked for boiled rice, which she replied “Boiled Rice??? You can do that yourself!!”

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

But only by the absorbtions method . It tastes much better than boiled in water and drained .

[@kenrehill8775]

That’s a great line!

[@nealgrimes4382]

@@johnsmith-rs2vk Agreed it is the best method for me

[@humdumdiggdy]

I knew we ordered too much Chinese when I got a Christmas card

[@disarchitected]

My local takeaway, the Chinese lady sounds really posh, like she went boarding at Benenden. It’s always amusing to hear her read back peoples Chinese menu orders in her posh accent.

[@malbig2344]

Good service is a must if you are with your partner... The first time I ever took my then gf for a meal was approx 40 years ago, I was a tad nervous, the waiter came out with the food and asked if we wanted any condiments, I replied "Blimey mate, that's a bit forward"... The waiter there and then burst out laughing and ran off to the kitchen, for the rest of our stay you could hear the kitchen staff screaming with laughter...

[@GaryEats]

That’s a great story thank you

[@howie8582]

I have been going to there since the mid 1970’s. If you accept that you do things their way it’s a great place

[@GaryEats]

I agree Howie just be nice

[@SassyCindy]

Kudos to you for trying the spicy chicken. I was struck with instant heartburn watching you take your first bite. The beef noodles were deceiving as they looked scrumptious. I enjoy your videos. You are a very kind and down to earth man.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much, Cindy. You seem to be working your way through all the videos that’s really appreciated.

[@karlfran0404]

This has been one of my favourite restaurants for decades. The staff are no nonsense, but efficient and leave you alone. There are two hidden hacks for this place - there is a secret menu in Chinese. Almost half the price because you get rice or noodles and main together in one portion / perfect for solo dining. My favourite Ho Fun noodle with beef in black bean sauce. Better than the dish in Hong Kong. Also if you’re dining alone, the ground floor is the place to be. Get a newspaper, a dish off the secret menu, and the staff leave you alone. You can sit drinking tea for hours. When your tea is out, flip the lid and they refill hot water. No problem. Also, the Cantonese food is often as good or even better than the food in Hong Kong where I now live. PS don’t order spicy food from a Cantonese restaurant- the food isn’t spicy

[@baghabit7696]

Great tips, thanks. I love Canto food 😊

[@GaryEats]

Glad you like it!!

[@karlfran0404]

@@GaryEats I love your videos Gary - many have said, but your straight forward love and curiosity of food is great to see. You over ordered at Wong Kei I reckon - I would have two dishes between two people sharing, again why the secret menu in Chinese only and only on the ground floor is worth checking. PS This is Cantonese style service. It's very common at lower priced restaurants in Hong Kong. You get cheap delicious food, what else do you expect. It goes wrong with drunk customers and over demanding American tourists who are used to VIP service everywhere. One American lady who was cross about the wait, probably called Karen, once said "I want to speak to the manager". The waiter said "No" and walked off. He came back 5 minutes later and said "What do you want to order?". She ordered nicely, humbled a little. The German next to me using his chopsticks like drum sticks had his sticks slammed down by the same waiter who said "Are you a man or a child?". Brilliant. It is a show I think, but then again...

[@GaryEats]

Thanks so much really kind of you. That is a very funny story

[@RobinSingh]

Agree ho fun w beef and black bean sauce was my to go meal here too!

[@audreymcleod4076]

Ive watched a few videos online about this restaurant, a lot of people were going in to be rude and abusive to the staff, just to get a reaction, so they can film it and put it on you tube. When Im out for a meal, I like not to have the staff come over and speak to me, lol, Great video.

[@GaryEats]

Audrey it’s simple be nice and respectful 🤷‍♂️

[@jassonsw]

I went to this place years ago as a student because I'd heard about the rudeness. They brought the wrong order and when I told the waiter he said "eat it anyway". Then when I paid the bill he said "don't come back!". It was a bit of a laugh because we were expecting it. Overly attentive service can be just as off putting as bad service. When they keep topping up your wine, interrupting your conversation to ask if everything is ok etc. It makes me remember a scene in a film called Butterfield 8 with Liz Taylor where she's having a conversation with a guy and the waiters keep fussing over them until the guy finally snaps and shouts "GET LOST WE"RE TALKING!".

[@GaryEats]

Great story but I haven’t seen that film Jason 👍

[@wozzer2727]

Am loving this channel having just found it. I am intrigued on your accent though, it's very similar to Johnny Rottens!

[@philiplbrown]

Another superb review. Regarding your question - I would rather have great food and lousy service than great service that the food doesn't back up. Give me a fantastic 3-course meal served by someone that couldn't give a .......any day!

[@GaryEats]

I’m with you Phillip

[@Willsey]

I don’t agree. I want polite service. If they are rude to me then I will be abusive back. If they lay a hand on Me then they are going through the bloody window.

[@ian230570]

I went regularly to the Won Kei (rhymes with key) in the early 1990s. It was cheap and great food. The pot of tea came to the table straight away back then. Inside we always sat somewhere new it seems because I rarely recognised the territory. It’s big inside of course but drink also played a part! The waiters were mostly ok and I never had a problem. They definitely weren’t going to be your best mate or give you the old silver service but that was just fine. The rule was that you ordered when they asked what you want and none of that … just a few more minutes please. The rumour was that if you did that they wouldn’t come back again! The second rule was cash only and thirdly, when you finished, you slung your hook. Very fond memories of the place. Just finished the vid. £45 is a surprise. That’s not a bargain. Back in the day it was very cheap. The sparse service never bothered me as I always regarded it as a place to fill up. We used to go to a place called Mr Kongs if we wanted the service. But they charged for it in the food prices! Is the Won Kei now charging for it in the food price, but not delivering I wonder.

[@nealgrimes4382]

He did order enough for 4 though.

[@GaryEats]

The pot of tea was already there by time I'd sat down. I've heard some very interesting stories lol

[@bobikdylan]

I ate in Chinatown twice a week for twenty years, and I always got the same business-like service, wherever I ate. That's just the Chinese way. I'm getting all nostalgic remembering the long-gone Mr Poon's in Lisle St.

[@forearthbelow]

The fave place for me and my late wife was Leyons in Wardour Street, massive place. Was gutted when it closed down

[@GaryEats]

I’m pleased it brought you great memories Bob

[@jasonantigua6825]

@@forearthbelowsorry to hear of your loss mate

[@lorrainearmitage4331]

​@@jasonantigua6825😂

[@jasonantigua6825]

@@lorrainearmitage4331 oh! That was sincere mate!

[@MandyH1749]

Gary. Your yes, no, yes with the chilli oil was hilarious. I love your channel.😊

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much, Mandy 🌹

[@paulconnors2078]

Gary, here in the USA, Chinese restaurants are notorious for the rudeness and lack of language skills of their employees. Even in high end Chinese eateries, that reputation carries over. Still, millions of folks still patronize Chinese eateries because for the most part, the prices are decent and the food generally good. My favorite dishes are all Szechuan and Hunan in origin. Another great installment, as always.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Paul they need to look at the customer service I think lol

[@JohnnysCafe_]

No Paul they are not, Chinese restaurants and the Chinese people are very polite and pleasant, the medias anti China campaign has poison sheeples minds and they are exceptionally rude to Chinese people, even attacking them in the streets so that's going to make them a little less at ease with the public, but no one considers that and blames them for not being as friendly as they were. I love Chinese cuisine and have eaten in Chinese restaurants across Europe and all the time here in Australia and never once had anything but good experiences and great food.

[@DMWBN3]

Lack of English skills? When you go to foreign restaurants or countries, how is your language ? Sure you are fluent in many languages for when you go to Italy, Spain. Etc.

[@edgarbokye4656]

I took a friend of mine from Cyprus here years ago. My mate asked for a fork, as he'd never used chop sticks, the waiter bought the fork and quite literally threw it at him from across the table. Meanwhile a group of guys behind us were forced to put their coats on, with a little help from the staff before being booted out of the restaurant..... hilarious!!!!

[@GaryEats]

That’s sounded like a fun night lol 😂

[@paradisekohchangstyle2150]

'Plumb sauce off the bone.' Is this a euphemism?😐

[@disarchitected]

Yes they do it with plates and cups too, if they are very busy. They throw / slide them across whilst walking past, moving quickly on to the next table. They don’t even pause to see if it ‘lands’ properly.

[@Slartie24]

No fork no payment

[@mmmoroi]

The last time I visited this place was well within the 20th century, when the price was almost one third but the quality of food was not bad at all, and of course the legendary rudeness was in full-swing. If you waved your hand for attention, the nearest empty-handed waiter would make face nearly grumbling "Why me of all the waiters around? I am busy." Customers were basically enjoying that as extra entertainment.

[@GaryEats]

Lol thank you for watching

[@geoffpoole483]

When there was an incident involving waiters and a customer, the customers would nearly always take the waiter's side. All part of the fun.

[@christopheralexander927]

Excellent insight again, keep them coming Gary

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Christopher

[@Maurice85]

Uks rudest restaurant and the internets nicest guy, can't wait

Matter vs antimatter.....

[@GaryEats]

All was good Maurice and a very kind comment

[@beaudavies1737]

Not as rude as Karen's 😂

[@irenedavo3768]

@@GaryEatswas enough for three people!

[@deadzio]

​@@GaryEatslook up Karen's Diner for rude experience Gary 😂😂👌👌

[@DenBlackburn]

A friend of mine is Cantonese, known him very well all the way back from school, the fist time I ever saw him an his farther talking, ill abmit I thought we had done somthing wrong, its just the way thay talk, even greating each other I thought they were going to start a fight lol, im used to it now but I do understand that when people think that its abrupt and there is also less facial expression that we use a lot in the west, he really is a top fellow, I just had to understand the slight differences in our cultures. Brilliant vid, thanks Gary. Just a personal preference I only want that extra service if something is wrong with the meal, otherwise Id sooner be left alone to eat, just me.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much for your comment. I did not find them rude. I thought they were very efficient. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[@EileenHall-j9f]

I do think it’s often cultural, has anyone ever visited Hong Kong? The staff are there to put your food on the table, not to serve. They don’t get paid enough to be subservient.

[@GaryEats]

I haven’t been Eileen

[@terrra_2024]

For nearly £50 a meal, they are getting paid enough to at least be polite 😒

[@fuglbird]

My wife and I visited London in 1990 and saw a sign with Peking Duck at a good price in another Chinese restaurant. We went in and saw the tree items on the menu: Duck, white rice and tea - no sauces, no vegetables and no desert. We were a bit surprised but ordered anyway. The duck was perfectly cooked. Crispy on the outside, juicy and tasty on the inside without being rosa. The best duck we have ever tasted.

[@MarkEmbery]

A articulated review as always by a real nice man Really enjoy your stuff thank you

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much Mark

[@dangazesupportservice8028]

Me and family love this channel. Gary you feel us with joy with you views and details

[@GaryEats]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@justincurry-w1m]

'Excuse the fingers' should be on a t-shirt. Another great review

[@GaryEats]

Thank you 🙏

[@michaeljames4362]

really like this channel didnt to begin with but it kept popping up on suggested and now love it!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for your lovely comment Michael, glad you changed your mind!!

[@Darius-v7v]

love this one. I took my girlfriend(now wife) to Wong Kei's. She was not impressed. I loved it.

[@rosemarymee]

You married the right woman.

[@GaryEats]

😂😂😂 and she married you 😳😳😳

[@maltehestbech3192]

Thanks again for giving it a go, Gary!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you 👍

[@kowalski-turniton6704]

With nothing worth watching at the cinema these days, Wong Kei is literally the only reason I visit the West End now and then. Been going for 30+ years. I love the worker's restaurant feel, the free tea (especially on a freezing night), and the food is quick and delicious. Special mention to their chilli oil - I never found anything as good as anywhere else.

[@GaryEats]

Fantastic. Glad you like it!

[@flymajj]

A mate of mine swears by this place. By the way, there is a Malay restaurant near there called Rasa Sayang, which I very much recommend you try.

[@GaryEats]

I think it’s good food

[@nordicsky]

I've been to Hong Kong and sailed on ships with Chinese crew. When they seem abrupt they are not being rude it's just that they are trying to get on with things, their focus is to get things done. Their mission is cheap filling food. In port after a hard night discharging oil, a hand used to appear out of the galley window with a cup of cha and a bowl of chicken and rice. That was me sorted.

[@GaryEats]

I agree the service was quick and efficient and definitely not rude

[@phoenix887]

So many great stories of this place in the comments! Having a laugh reading through them.

[@GaryEats]

Absolutely brilliant

[@sauron4455]

Gary I liked the meal. I see no complaints about service. I once went to a restaurant when waiters and waitresses over attentive. After being asked for the 3rd time if meal to satisfaction I felt like saying "do you want a seat at table??" Great video as always

[@GaryEats]

That is so true I e had it a number of times, in the last two minutes the meal is still good 😳👌🤷‍♂️

[@CRS911]

I've learned a lot about english meals and the influences from other countries from you videos, I hope one day I could try it by myself, greetings from Argentina!

[@GaryEats]

That is very kind to say, and thank you for watching from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@TheGazmondo]

Been going to the Wong Kei since the 80s , and believe me the staff have been until recently challenging in the extreme. Now since closing some time ago for a refurb the staffing is far more courteous. I’ve been told to get out, I’ve seen the police called on customers for wanting to change tables, seen customer have chilli oil thrown at them. But if you like a lively atmosphere, good food at the right price, and sharing tables with strangers, then like me you keep going back. Several times a week !!

[@GaryEats]

I've heard many great stories lol

[@ssemson]

Been going there regularly for about 20 years. There's a reason I still do. Never tried the Chicken Sambal. That's next up. The chilli oil is great, so's the unlimited free tea. Prices are reasonable for the single one plate dishes but not as relatively cheap as they used to be. You get a seat at a table, not a table, unless you're with a party and go upstairs. I like the cash only part and will support it for that reason too while I'll boycott cashless businesses.

[@GaryEats]

It's very very spicy but enjoyed it

[@AdrianLee-i7g]

Gary, they were a lot ruder back in the 1980s! When I was a student I used to go there with friends. In those days, it was very cheap, but the service was abysmal. If you said you wanted further time to decide what to order (especially if there was a group of you), the waiter often got exasperated and said, "f**k you!" before stomping off. I once witnessed an American tourist who complained about the rudeness getting punched in the face by a waiter. On another occasion, a punter who attempted to sneak off without paying his "cash only" bill was chased down Wardour Street by kitchen staff wielding meat choppers. Happy days. I have not been there for many years. These days I prefer to pay a bit extra for better service. Still, you are right. Most of the abruptness stems from the desire to maximise turnover. These guys get them in and then turf them out. Finally, there is another dimension to Chinatown in Soho, namely, there is a strong triad presence. I am not saying that this restaurant is connected in any way, but many others are. There is always a lot of stuff going on under the surface in that area, and the Chinese folk who work there have to live by the rules. Thanks for the great review. I think you deserve a medal just for having the courage to film a review inside this restaurant.

[@geoffpoole483]

I think the 80s was Wong Kei's heyday. My brother visited with some mates and another customer was complaining. Someone from another table told the guy complaining that he was out of order and punched him on the nose. Blood all over the place. The waiter's reaction:" Excellent customer!"

[@AdrianLee-i7g]

@geoffpoole483 Very funny, Geoff! Loved your tale. Yes, the 1980s and early 1990s were indeed the golden years of Wong-Kei's. We always pronounced it "wonky's" or "wong-keys" back in those days. As soon as you walked in the front door a waiter would ask for the number of your party. You would tell him, and he would shout back, "Upstairs, upstairs!!" The moment that you got seated, they would plonk the tea pot on the table and bellow at you: "What you want?" You hadn't even had time to take your coat off. There was a darker side sometimes. I did see members of staff being quite racist to both white and black customers alike. Some held non-Chinese people in some degree of contempt. We forget that racism is pretty strong in parts of the Far East. Still, that was then. Funny how we look back at the place with such nostalgia. I did not even realise that it was still going. Another place from that era was a funny old Indian restaurant on the Aldwych near King's College. Again, you went upstairs from the street. They used to do Indian railways cuisine. It was very cheap, but not the greatest quality. You used to queue up at a serving hatch to place your order. It was called the "something club" from memory. Of course, the Indian staff were unfailing polite, but you ran the risk of dangerous loose bones in the curry!

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

That is why many places are cash only and the big round table in the corner on a Sunday evening is always reserved for the bosses . Have the envelope ready Mr . Woo .

[@GaryEats]

I'm relieved I didn't go then lol

[@ria1636]

@@AdrianLee-i7g The India Club, permanently closed now, very mediocre food.

[@ScottWheatley-m4k]

Hi Gary. I would recommend Rendezvous in Swindon for good Chinese. It's £25 for all you can eat over 2 courses. And it's not a buffet.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for the recommendation, Scott

[@deebo5474]

I went there with a couple friends without knowing their reputation, they were very polite and I gave them 5 stars on Google. Nothing wrong w my experience there at all

[@GaryEats]

That’s great to hear, I had no problems either

[@frame856]

My dad used to love that place, he would always take me there when I was kid, it was known for being cheap back then and he used to love the beef with tomato in there. I've always wanted to go back so thanks for going here it brings back some good memories. And he always used to pronounce it the wonkie

[@GaryEats]

I’m pleased it gave you some great memories

[@johntvrdy4533]

When I was living in Prague, I used to read an English language paper called the Prague Post where they talked about a Czech restaurant I think in Finchley, frequented by the late but great Nigel Hawthorne. Had a good rating back in the day 👍🏻

[@garrycrystal6244]

The PP is still going. Used to read it for the job listings. Doesn't seem to have that section now.

[@johntvrdy4533]

@@garrycrystal6244 I thought it stopped about ten years ago

[@garrycrystal6244]

@@johntvrdy4533 Haven't read it in about 10 years, but it's still going online.

[@GaryEats]

Is it still operating John

[@johntvrdy4533]

@@GaryEats tbh it's been ages since I read it. I hope it is

[@762223100]

the Hull University Rifle Club from 1970's meets there on a regular basis. Excellent place especially the chilli oil. we went so often they promoted us to the family floor. No eating utensils or get sworn at but chop stiks. Many go for the atmosphere. Food on the family floor is excellent. Only 4 of us left now so we get on well with them.

[@GaryEats]

That is absolutely fantastic to hear. Thank you for your comment.

[@carolkelly5578]

She saw you jogging in and had you down as a "runner" 🤣

[@GaryEats]

lol very good Carol

[@thaisstone5192]

(129) I find overly attentive wait staff more annoying than ones who are off with the fairies. If I feel neglected, I go to the bar area, tell them where I'm sitting and what I want, then go back to my table. Bit of free entertainment when the staffer cops the borax from his superiors.

[@GaryEats]

That’s a little naughty lol

[@rjprivate]

Cash only, means that the revenue is being skimmed to avoid paying the correct amount of tax

[@GaryEats]

Or they don’t like bank charges 🤷‍♂️

[@woodenseagull1899]

It is a fantastic restaurant....

[@laurencemarrison5721]

No it’s because they’re crooked and they gamble in the casinos on a daily basis…

[@chrisford1715]

Noooo how did you work that one out

[@WarBrokenSP9]

And if you apply for a card machine they do a full check of the employees, so there might be some illegals

[@butterflypeter]

that was quick gary ,im still watching the video.watched loads of your content over the last few days.keep up the good work

[@GaryEats]

I am trying to get all the comments done before we upload tonight lol 😂

[@palace1439]

That duck skin looked rubbery Gary.

[@kenrehill8775]

Gally

[@GaryEats]

😳😂

[@edeledeledel5490]

That's a very nice compliment; I'm sure the waiters would be pleased.

[@nicolasmalley306]

I would never return to a business where the staff were rude . Maybe that’s the Chinese way but it’s not acceptable to me . Good manners cost nothing!

[@richardjohnson8731]

You want manners, you go to McDonald's.

[@NicholasCampbell-pe3db]

With respect, I actually think you are missing the point, Australians would relate very well to the dynamics going on in this place. I haven't laughed so hard in ages and I've got over 3700 comments to peruse yet!!!

[@Willsey]

@@richardjohnson8731I will then

[@reddragon4482]

@@richardjohnson8731 Yeah just don't go to China.

[@jameslewis3083]

I used to work with some Chinese people. They were very abrupt but when you got to know them, they was the most lovely giving people. I think their accent can be very misleading!

[@stuartpace6111]

Why do people want to go to a restaurant and be treated very badly and abused by nasty waiters there's some weirdos about

[@GaryEats]

No idea at all Stuart 🤷‍♂️

[@stuartpace6111]

@@GaryEats lol some people must enjoy that kind of thing look forward to your next video

[@calvinwu7564]

Tourists and older Chinese people go there only they know the workers ! Other than that local young Asian won’t go there!

[@jasperpike242]

didums!!!!!

[@davidbroadfoot1864]

It's the only way to get Chinese food.

[@tanerkaplankiran]

I recently discovered your channel. I really enjoy the positive vibes!

[@GaryEats]

Welcome!!

[@derektrotter4287]

Cash only…. Love educating there kids… love the health care. Love the pensions….. just don’t like paying the taxes…..🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@GaryEats]

👍

[@Jamalsmoker64]

Why to pay taxes, for the lazy people who not working and stay on benefits, no thanks, no offence

[@keithhardy8513]

​@Falcon-um7vo TRUE ! I am sure that HMRC keeps a close eye on them ! 🤔

[@johndavid5618]

"""One has to be very carefull what you eat in this day and age, you dont know whats in your food...........!!! 🤷‍♀️

[@GaryEats]

I thought the food was okay, John

[@JoeyKray]

They're of course going to declare every penny made to the IRS. Can't think of a reason for why they would be cash only though. 🤣

[@starilvara]

Well, aside from That, it's quicker and cheaper (no card fees)

[@PotatoPirate123]

​​@@starilvaracash is NEVER quicker 😂 I always internally groan when someone gets their purse out in Asda

[@Ryandunbar1996]

​@@PotatoPirate123 It's all about control tho if you pay by card within milliseconds they know everything about you

[@jamesfahy2935]

I don't think British restaurants pay American tax.

[@PotatoPirate123]

@@Ryandunbar1996 it's not really all about control though is it Ryan, it's about convenience. I LOVE them knowing everything about me. My bank app is my favourite thing and it's helping me save and budget like nothing else. Cash can go to hell for me, but it's my personal opinion. Only time I ever use it is for Chinese. I lost 20 quid the other week because it blew out of my pocket thanks to those stupid new banknotes. Never lost digital currency.

[@davestinson2323]

Hi Gary. Just subscribed after watching a few of your videos . A good watch and as for the service. I would prefer good food over service every time. Cheers

[@GaryEats]

That is very kind and really appreciated thank you, Dave

[@patrickturner3999]

I used to go there regularly when I worked nearby, I never found the staff to be even remotely rude and the food was great.

[@GaryEats]

Patrick I didn’t either

[@patrickturner3999]

@@GaryEats You should have tried their liver with ginger, it was delicious, I still make it at home.

[@KevinColt]

Oh hes never been to Karens I see

[@AllanNeaves-qn3zr]

Yes, but Karen's restaurant is a gimmick. Much the same way as Faulty Towers type establishment's are. This lot 😢😢😢😢Allan&Family

[@simonparker6466]

Karen's is hilarious, however you are quite right it's a gimmick restaurant

[@GaryEats]

It’s on a list 👍

[@andrewrouse9204]

Chinese restaurants avoid the taxman like dogs and cats avoid their restaurant's 😂

[@GaryEats]

I would like to think they don’t, Andrew

[@angusmctavish2345]

I really like the 3 cold eats on hot rice (duck,bbq pork and crispy pork belly) with some of the chilli oil drizzled on the rick (oil only), their chicken and sweetcorn soup is also lovely in my opinion. Have witnessed the staff being rude, but never experienced it.

[@GaryEats]

That’s great Angus the service for me me was efficient and effective

[@Jprcounter]

As someone who works in the service industry it’s very disappointing that you’d give the idea of not paying a service charge a thumbs up Gary

[@GaryEats]

If you watch the channel I always pay a service charge as I’ve worked on the other side

[@Wondus]

Please go to Rupert street in Chinatown and try the beef randan at the C and R cafe it’s the best

[@GaryEats]

I will take a look, thank you

[@rexharvey8420]

I really like your presentations Gary, down to earth and very honest. Very helpful Thanks.

[@GaryEats]

That’s very kind to say thank you

[@Markking1678]

You really took us onboard with this one. What a lovely review 😊

[@GaryEats]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simbobcrafts4843]

Come to the broadlands in Norfolk. It is almost impossible to find anywhere decent to eat. The Greyhound is good in Hickling. Gunton Arms too but very expensive

[@GaryEats]

You are not selling this to me lol 😂

[@simbobcrafts4843]

@@GaryEats 🤣

[@simbobcrafts4843]

@@GaryEats Na Gunton Arms is good. They fry nice steaks over an fire place in the dining area. Nice potatoes and stuff too

[@hwica2753]

Gary, I'm impressed with your chop stick skills.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much!

[@Mickthemove_]

I went here over 30 years ago! it's reputation was just as strong then, the punters used to be treated like a conveyor belt with communal tables and rampant food service, It was fun but you just wouldn't return that quickly! I am actually shocked they are still operating and the hmrc doesn't have a reserved table in the joint 😂

[@GaryEats]

That’s very true Mick lol 😂

[@laurencemarrison5721]

Lovely Chinese looking teapot they served your tea in. Very authentic (I pinched it from a guest house in Blackpool) in beautiful metal there.

[@GaryEats]

That is very naughty, Lawrence lol

[@wutang6020]

I really really enjoy these videos a very honest man and just love the presentation been watching a few of these over the last few months thoroughly enjoy every video ❤️👍

[@GaryEats]

That is very kind to say thank you very much ❤️

[@layersoftheonion8168]

Went there as a student in the ‘90s, don’t remember anything about it though! Looking forward to this video!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy.

[@jasperpike242]

did anyone remember the Chinese Noodle in Qeensway next to Lee hoo Fuk. it was tiny and the chef cooked everything in front of you. ithink only about 10 people could sit. the crab in ginger was superb and cheap

[@GaryEats]

I have to say, I don’t remember it, Jasper

[@David-nq4qi]

I haven't lived in the UK for 33 years, but the moment he mentioned that the rudest restaurant was in Chinatown, I knew it was The Wong Kei. Friends and I used to go there for the entertainment. It is like Fawlty Towers. If you want to sit downstairs, they make you go upstairs, and vice versa. For no apparent reason, you have to sit where they tell you, and you can't order what you like. They tell you that "this doesn't go with that" etc., so you can't have it. And if you have any kind of questions or (God forbid) a complaint, then they make Basil Fawlty look like the Service Provider of the Year. One of the best moments was when a cook emerged from the kitchen to deal with a customer complaint, wielding a meat cleaver. Another time, we had to leave without paying simply because we couldn't get the bill. We tried, but although we had been there for hours, they thought we had just come in, and were barking instructions about where we should sit. So we gave it up. We were prepared for them to come after us, and we had the (alleged) Chinese "Laundry" money ready, but they also failed at that.

[@slotsshowcase]

Nice one. Worked and lived in Chinese takeaway's in Old Kent Road, Blackheath and Sheffield, can be very long and very hard work. Attitude is standard procedure and discipline is very strict in the kitchen, for good reason though - to produce cooked food quickly. There is nowhere else you can go where your food is cooked so quickly, I promise you! Agreed on your noodles, they were a bit oily although I think that is just how your food came out, they could have easily have been dry, I would have done exactly the same as what you did. The noodles probably took 2 minutes to cook and the chef just added a little too much oil is all...

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much for your comment and afterwards I actually made something with the noodles myself

[@olagisrarikis]

Just a small hint for a great channel: You have the amazing DJI Mic or Mic 2 so there should be no problem at all for you guys to edit out the background noice if you use a decent video editor. AI will do this for you. Maybe you're already doing this in later videos.

[@simonfarrell6585]

Just found your channel. Great content. I used to be a head chef so I appreciate your good honest reviews of good honest food

[@GaryEats]

That’s really appreciated Simon thank you

[@Olichi60]

I first went to the Wong Kei in the early 1980s They were famous for their rudeness even back then. It was also extraordinarily cheap. We were moved to a different table mid meal. They moved us and our dishes to a new smaller table as they needed the space. The unique service style was always part of the attraction.

[@GaryEats]

So I understand from other comments

[@blobrana8515]

For London those prices seemed ok considering you were also sitting in. In Aberdeen i would perhaps get a comparable takeaway meal for half that price.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much for the information

[@arejetko]

Love your vids - you don't like greasy do you (the Cantonese chow mein was typical of anywhere)? As for beef drippings, that's what you cook Yorkies in. It's beef tallow (beef lard) that they cook the chips in - if I'm not mistaken. Please review Poon's in Covent Garden if you haven't already. We had an experience there in 1985. You need to go to Dirty Dick's at the Excaliber in Las Vegas, mate.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much for both of your recommendations

[@jglasernyc]

Great review as always Gary! I don't care how good the meal tastes, if the service isn't good I woud think twice about returning. Good service is all part of the dining experience.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much and I agree

[@I_like_YT_lots]

Chinese person here, 40 odd quid is not bad now for central London mate. I paid £70 for 3 dishes a few doors down at 4 seasons (I had half a roast duck). You have to remember business rates, rent are very expensive now along with rising costs of ingredients. You are not eating some cheap Chinese food out in the sticks where the owner probably own the shop vs in China town where most shops are own by the Grosvenor Group

[@GaryEats]

I understand completely Phillip thank you