Extremely Disappointing and Unprofessional Experience at Verdicchio Wine Bar

I hosted my baby shower at Verdicchio Wine Bar, and I regret ever choosing this establishment for such a special occasion. From the moment my guests arrived to prepare, the experience was nothing short of frustrating and disrespectful. What was meant to be a joyful celebration was instead marred by hostility and poor treatment, led primarily by Chef Sawan, whose behaviour was not only inappropriate but outright disgraceful.

Chef Sawan’s actions were shocking — he was rude, confrontational, and unprofessional, with no regard for customer service or basic respect. He took it upon himself to approach and chase my guests out in a manner that was completely uncalled for. Not only did he bring up irrelevant information about losing business from 11am (which was not our problem), but he also made it a point to repeatedly remind us — paying customers — that we had to leave.

Our reservation was from 13:30 to 17:30. Mains were only served at 16:55 and dessert arrived at 17:45 — after the supposed end time. Yet, we were being rushed and harassed to leave even while packing up and settling the bill. At this point, no one was seated, the table was being cleared, and I was still being rudely interrupted by Sawan, who insisted we had been told "several times" to go. Why a chef was even in the front of house aggressively confronting guests is beyond comprehension. His tone was hostile, and his attitude completely unacceptable — almost as if he was doing us a favour by allowing us to be there.

As a Black woman and paying customer, I felt deeply disrespected and discriminated against. Sawan’s behaviour bordered on ******, and he made me feel unwelcome in a place I had paid in full for — including a fully paid set menu for 15 guests and a separate bar tab that was settled without issue. And yet, I was treated with contempt.

I want to be clear: Verdicchio Wine Bar ruined my baby shower. What should have been a beautiful memory was turned into a stressful, embarrassing ordeal. My guests were shocked and equally disappointed by the treatment we received, and none of us will be returning.

I would, however, like to commend the waitresses, Sinegugu, and the floor manager Dali, who handled us with grace and professionalism despite the chaos. They deserve recognition — but unfortunately, their efforts were completely overshadowed by the disgraceful conduct of Chef Sawan and the overall mishandling of our event.

Verdicchio should be ashamed of how this was handled. You lost the business of 15 guests and more — not just for today, but permanently.