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BBC Learning English July 31, 2026

Complaining in a Cafe or Restaurant

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to complain about something in a cafe or restaurant? Maybe your food was overcooked or your drink was not made correctly. It can be difficult to know how to complain without being rude or aggressive. But it's okay to speak up and let the staff know if there's a problem.

When you complain, try to be calm and clear about what's wrong. You can say, 'I'm sorry, but I think there's been a mistake with my order.' Or, 'I'm not happy with the quality of my food.' The staff will listen to you and try to fix the issue. Remember to be polite and friendly, even if you're not happy with the service.

It's also a good idea to know some vocabulary related to complaining, such as 'I'd like to make a complaint,' or 'Can I have a refund please?' You can practice your conversationskills by role-playing different scenarios with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident when you need to complain in a real-life situation.

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