Esca reviews
HOMOPHOBIA in CLAPHAM COMMON.
This is the first review I've ever written, and am only doing so because I am so outraged and upset that this kind of behaviour can still happen... firstly in London, and secondly in a gay-friendly area such as Clapham Common.
My partner and I were enjoying a coffee, sitting close to each other and holding hands, when we were approached by a waitress who told us that she did not have a problem with us being gay, but that some of the clients might be offended and that it would be appreciated if we could be more discreet.
If we were behaving in the same manner but were a heterosexual couple no one would have blinked twice, but the fact that we are a same-sex couple seems to have bothered the waiting staff enough for them to confront us about it. If in fact a client had complained, then still the waiting staff should be mature enough to know how to handle the situation better. But the fact that they felt they were in the right to approach us, suggesting that we do not sit so close to each other and hold hands, must surely mean that to them we were in the wrong.
We were in no way breaking the law, we were in no way stepping out of any social etiquette in terms of public displays of affection. This is purely homophobia and lack of management skills.
The coffee was fine, but the staff’s behaviour killed the mood for us and we promptly made our way out, as we were obviously not welcome; only because two men who care for each other can’t be affectionate with each other in public in the most accepting city in the world.
by HClondon, 25 Nov 2009
This is the first review I've ever written, and am only doing so because I am so outraged and upset that this kind of behaviour can still happen... firstly in London, and secondly in a gay-friendly area such as Clapham Common.
My partner and I were enjoying a coffee, sitting close to each other and holding hands, when we were approached by a waitress who told us that she did not have a problem with us being gay, but that some of the clients might be offended and that it would be appreciated if we could be more discreet.
If we were behaving in the same manner but were a heterosexual couple no one would have blinked twice, but the fact that we are a same-sex couple seems to have bothered the waiting staff enough for them to confront us about it. If in fact a client had complained, then still the waiting staff should be mature enough to know how to handle the situation better. But the fact that they felt they were in the right to approach us, suggesting that we do not sit so close to each other and hold hands, must surely mean that to them we were in the wrong.
We were in no way breaking the law, we were in no way stepping out of any social etiquette in terms of public displays of affection. This is purely homophobia and lack of management skills.
The coffee was fine, but the staff’s behaviour killed the mood for us and we promptly made our way out, as we were obviously not welcome; only because two men who care for each other can’t be affectionate with each other in public in the most accepting city in the world.
by HClondon, 25 Nov 2009
Esca is a great place to go, especially for the cakes! The chefs make everything fresh on the day. The staff are great - busy sometimes, but I always find them helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone.
by anitafermo, 22 Sep 2009
by anitafermo, 22 Sep 2009
We went there recently and the food looked delicious and the cakes we tried most certainly were. The staff I'm afraid were not terribly helpful and were in fact downright miserable!
by mickeyclapm, 17 May 2009
by mickeyclapm, 17 May 2009
Yes, whatever you've read used to be true. Now, one needs to be lucky to get food fresh. Usually all salads are stale and so 'well-preserved' that veg go stale and oils rancid. I guess the credit crunch affected their sales and their pantrys. Pity though. Not cooked on the premises food and everything else is very good.
by 07957543817, 10 Dec 2008
by 07957543817, 10 Dec 2008
Great place to meet your friends and have a nice and calm chat. The food is great and staff are sweet.
by basel_nagy, 15 Nov 2008
by basel_nagy, 15 Nov 2008
My favourite deli in London. Love the atmosphere. Check out those huge pats of butter on the table!
by cathiz, 01 Jul 2007
by cathiz, 01 Jul 2007
Great fresh salads and hot specials, including really tasty jerk chicken and salmon dishes. The cakes which line the front window are also amazing.
by bam (8 reviews), 24 Nov 2006
by bam (8 reviews), 24 Nov 2006
Have we missed a great delicatessen in London? Let us know.
