Waitrose & Partners Kings Cross 1 Wharf Road, London N1C 4BZ

"Tonight, just as I was about to leave, somewhat hurriedly, as I was aware it was closing time, I was subjected to a most unwelcome and absurd experience from a staff member of this Waitrose. I was quickly inspecting one last item before heading to the cashier, and just before I did, a staff member yelled at me, to hurry up and leave. And not merely that, but additionally laced with these exact, florid words: “Do you want to sleep here?” If only he knew how fond of my London home I am that he wouldn’t have needed to ask. But clearly his superpower is venom and vulgarity, not insight and grace. As I made my way to the self-checkout kiosks, this staff member’s ill treatment continued. He thought, wrongly, that there was a problem with the kiosk, so he ordered me away from the kiosk I was about to use to go to the staffed checkout instead. As I made my way towards the staffed checkout, I finally had a chance to address the grump, as I was too hurried earlier to do so, wanting to make way to the checkout as soon as possible to not inconvenience the workers so they could close on time. I told the grump that I had no intention of sleeping at Waitrose—I nearly showed him photos of how lovely my home is by comparison—and that he can speak to me as a human being instead. After checkout at the staffed checkout finished, the grump came up to me. He suddenly showed some contrition for the treatment. It felt genuine. I appreciated that. I accepted and wished him a good evening despite it all. Before I had confronted him, there was not a hint of hesitance in his appalling behavior. The words, the tone, and his bearing all came out so easily, so confidently, and without concern. It was only after I confronted him that suddenly, his tenor and treatment took a very sudden transformation. What happened? I suspect he did not expect that someone like me, someone that some would suspect—very wrongly—may not speak English, can be readily slighted: “Look at him. He may not speak English or speak it well. I can drop all decorum and decency I reserve for others I regard more highly and kindly. And I may be able to get away with it.” Whatever the reason and despite the absurdity of it all, I did and do genuinely wish him a good evening, but, most of all, I hope that in confronting him, he will never dare treat anyone, especially those who look like me, so despicably. And if he remains unchanged the next time I visit, and he asks me if I’d like to sleep at Waitrose again, I will show him photos of my home, and, red-faced, he will confess out loud, because my superpower is foresight, “Wow, what an incredibly stupid question that was.”"

"Not sure why there’s horrible reviews (very harsh I think) popped in here after a lovely walk along Regent’s Canal & it was bigger than I expected! Lots of stock, friendly staff & produce was great! Think it’s a perfect location. Nice to have students and the university there too. Very vibrant area! If people don’t like being around people, maybe you should just order stuff online to your home! Haha"

"It was the first time I had a bad customer experience here. I shop here almost everyday to buy my daily groceries. Today my partner and I tried to get a small pack of painkillers and some period pads. The assistant came, said I need to check your ID, you’re 24, oh I can’t sell it to you then he left. I understand legally what he did is not wrong, but you can buy painkillers over 16 and it’s so obvious I bought it for my period. He didn’t look at me during the whole process. Do I look under 16 for him because I am an Asian woman? My partner showed his ID and then we just left. Super professional."

"Visited around midday on a Sunday in Early July. This is a top-tier Waitrose location. Has a nice industrial chic aesthetic. The place is wildly airy. The selection of goods is solid. The beer section was pretty hard hit, as temperatures reached the upper 20s, but I still found some malted beverages to quench my thirst. Not only would I recommend this location, but I would actively encourage a visit to anyone in the vicinity."

"Good sized store, which should have had what I needed but many shelves were empty. Priced higher than most other supermarkets, so although the lay out and atmosphere were pleasant, this would not be my first choice for shopping."