First Draft Kitchen in Norwich ditches QR code online menus

An overhaul of the ordering system has been announced at First Draft Kitchen, which opened in St Giles Street last month, system after a customer stormed out before placing an order.

They had become agitated after realising they were expected to view and order from the menu online by scanning a QR code on their table via their mobile phone - later posting a negative Google review.

Daisy and Dan Larkan own the restaurant and bar (Image: Daisy Larkan)

"We have learned an enormous amount in a very short space of time," said restaurant owner Daisy Larkan.

"We have completely restructured the business.

"After the customer stormed out last month we saw a really strong response online to the QR code ordering system, with people making it very clear that they do not like using their phones while enjoying a meal out."

A QR (quick response) code is a type of barcode which can be scanned using a mobile device's camera, taking the user directly to a specific web page.

The changes will now see all customers given a menu and ordering with one of the additional waiting staff that Daisy has taken on, rather than using an online system.

First Draft Kitchen opened its doors to customers at the start of June (Image: Dan Larkan)

"Service has always been a top priority of ours and we want to make sure we get it right," she said.

"People are spending their hard-earned money on a lovely experience with us and we want the menu to be as accessible as possible.

READ MORE: Restaurant owners left shocked after customer storms out during opening weekend

"We heard the messaging, it was a legitimate concern and we have made changes in light of that.

"Hopefully those that were alienated won't be anymore and might come back to try our food."

Gochi Gochi's Tatenda Goredema has taken over the First Draft Kitchen (Image: Nathan Neeve)

Despite the backlash, the restaurant had an amazing start to business and is considering hosting pop-ups for two months instead of one as the first one proved so popular.

"The first month was great," Daisy said.

"It has been very busy and we have had some brilliant feedback.

"We have met so many amazing customers and business owners and absolutely loved it!"

Goredema specialises in Afro-Caribbean soul food (Image: Nathan Neeve)

First Draft Kitchen's latest pop-up is hosted by Gochi Gochi's Tatenda Goredema throughout this month.

Goredema taught himself to cook while in prison and will serve a range of Afro-Caribbean soul food while in the First Draft Kitchen.