James Martin fumes 'have some respect' as he shares brutal approach to no-show customers

James Martin has jokingly put forward the idea of naming and shaming customers, who don't show up for their restaurant reservation. Reflecting on the changes he's noticed in the hospitality world, the chef mentioned how restaurant owners could go without profit if one large table didn't turn up.

He explained: "With social media now, it's a tough thing. When I started on TV, three or four chanels had just started.

"You know, a long time ago, and now it's different. It's all about social media and it has its benefits don't get me wrong, it's great.

"Whereas [on] a Friday night or Thursday night, when a cancellation would be in a restaurant, that would be our profit.

"That one table of six is your profit for the night, if they don't turn up, you've not made any money.

"So imagine working all day and you've made nothing," he shared at The Game Fair festival last year.

James was a guest at the event alongside First Dates mixologist Merlin Griffiths.

Chiming in with his thoughts on stage, he said: "I used to run food pubs, if you're going to cancel your table, phone them up please.

"Don't be that person that just leaves a booking hanging, don't be that person who books four places because you haven't decided where you're going yet and let three of them down please."

Sharing what he'd be tempted to do if it happened at one of his restaurants, James said, laughing: "Otherwise what you can do now is, I take a photograph and put your name in front of six million people on social mdia.

"You stitched me, have a bit of that!".

He added on a more serious note: "Have a little bit of respect," before adding: "Hospitality does get a kick in."

James' speech at the event came after he expressed fears about the "fragile" food industry.

Speaking to Luxury London, the chef said "meat prices [had] gone through the roof" due to the Ukraine war causing disruptions.

"We realise how fragile it is, there are 10 pubs a week going under," he shared.

"My friend's energy bill, who runs a small 60-seat restaurant in London, has gone from £8,000 per year to £120,000 just like that."

He added: "London scares the hell out of me. It's very transient and people will leave for an extra 10p."

The chef's name is linked to many restaurants across the country, including his very own James Martin in Manchester.

According to the website, the venue serves a classic, seasonally changing à la carte and special menus using the finest local produce.

Alongside his restaurants he fronts his self-titled ITV show on Saturdays, as well as James Martin's French Adventure.

James Martin's Saturday Morning airs weekly from 9.30am on ITV and ITVX.