Travel has allowed me to taste many varieties of food, some I like, fish and chips from England, some I cannot take, sambal from South East Asia. Some food likes me, fish and chips, some foods do not like me, red and green peppers.

It is when I find a restaurant that serves real authentic food, provide good quality in their food, staff and facilities, and give value for money, that I am happy.

I me it does not matter if it is the best hotel like the Ritz in London, or the little corner café, Kevilcim Cafe ev Yemekleri in Kadikoy, Istanbul, if I enjoy the experience, I am happy.

                     

I found one such restaurant in my home town Kingston upon Thames (click to watch a small video of my town), here in the UK, called The Basil Restaurant.

                                           

The one thing it lacked was customers. No income.

There had been restaurants there before, and there are others very near to it, but what they all lack are the customers, those people who pay to eat there, the income from which the electricity bills can be paid, employees can get their salaries, and suppliers be paid for their services.

Why do the customers stay away?

It could be poor service, the indifference of the staff, poor surroundings, arrogant managers, high charges,  location, many, many reasons.