Study finds 94% of UK consumers have been served dirty glassware

A study conducted by British warewashing brand Classeq has found that 94% of UK consumers have been served dirty crockery or glasses in a UK restaurant, hotel or café.

The survey, conducted at the Restaurant Show in London, also found that over 97% of respondents would be put-off from eating or drinking in an establishment if they had been served “dirty or cloudy glasses and crockery”.

94% of those surveyed said that they had received dirty crockery or glasses at a UK restaurant, hotel or café while more than 70% said they would not return to that same establishment, and “would have concerns over hygiene and general cleanliness”.

This message is echoed by the recent Cask Report which found that one in three pints in the UK is served “via an unclean beer line” while 40% of beer drinkers would avoid a particular pub which has served them a bad pint.

Leftover soap residue, dust, chemicals and general dirt left in glassware can spoil the drink and lead to ‘off’ aromas and flavours.

Adam Lenton, marketing manager for Classeq commented: “You don’t get a second chance to create a good impression – get it wrong and customers won’t be back.

“Squeaky clean crockery and glasses are a must at any time of year, but now with Christmas just around the corner, the pressure will be even greater – the need for quick, efficient warewashing equipment is paramount”.

In a list of sommeliers’ top pet peeves, published by the drinks business, failing to buff your glassware, or presenting it in a poor condition, was a commonly cited irritation, together with failing to fetch a fresh glass for a guest requesting to taste a new bottle.