Appalling Service; Discrimination Against Allergy Sufferers
Masala Zone discriminates appallingly against people with nut allergies. I was having an enjoyable time with friends, we had already ordered drinks, and I asked the waitress to tell me if any food we were ordering contains nuts in the recipe, as there was no information on the menu. She sent over a manager who placed a 'nut allergy policy' card in front of me and he effectively stated I shouldn't be eating at this restaurant with a nut allergy. As you might imagine, that brought the mood of the table down immediately. I repeatedly told this manager that 'traces of nuts' would be fine, but I needed to know if anything contained nuts in the recipe. He repeatedly refused to tell me, and repeated the 'nut allergy policy' over and over again. He then suggested I should go out and buy some food somewhere else, and bring it back to the restaurant. I've never been treated so rudely at a central London restaurant before and I don't know how they're getting away with this. My friends were so embarassed. It was utterly ridiculous!
In the end he eventually conceded and pointed to two options on the menu that were 'safe' - although I'm sure many other items were, as it is unlikely that everything on the menu has nuts in the recipe. They are being deliberately difficult in an attempt to protect themselves from lawsuits, but in doing so this restaurant chain is actively discriminating against people and treating customers with allergies in a way that shouldn't be allowed. They ought to be boycotted. I've honestly never before encountered such ridiculous, rude treatment when dining out. They should be ashamed.
A quick web search will tell you that others have received similar treatment. Please boycott this restaurant chain.