Shockingly bad reviews on Tripadvisor in December took the shine of memories of a Cambridgeshire Greek restaurant which announced today that after 36 years it would not re-open in 2024. Milo Zenelaj said his Salamis Taverna restaurant, on Broadway, Peterborough, has served its last meal.
“I want to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous new year ahead,” he posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“I would like to thank all of our wonderful customers that have supported us through the years.
“But unfortunately, after 36 years of being part of the community, Salamis Taverna has closed its doors permanently on New Year’s Eve.
“It has been a very difficult decision for us to make but unfortunately with the current climate we could not continue to stay in business. Again, thank you to you all”.
It was signed ‘Milo and the team’ but the restaurant was left reeling by TripAdvisor reviews despite customers – some who have been customers for 30 years – leaving comments on his Facebook page expressing sadness at the news.
On Tripadvisor a different picture emerged.
“Poor attempt at a Greek taverna. Dirty. Cheap decor. Food ok, garlic in sauce burnt so spoilt the entire dish,” was a review from last month.
“Chips burned. Restaurant smelt of old cooking oil. Got told at the end of the meal, the card machine had ‘just’ broken… staff were friendly until I questioned this.
“The manager slammed the card machine on the table and told me if I got it working I could pay by card! Lots of reviews on here mention a broken card machine.
“Got chased out of restaurant demanding us to pay bill even though we had left cash on the table!
“An absolute mock of a place, will not be returning!.”
Another review had this to say.
“As usual the food and the staff were great no complaints there,” the customer wrote.
“But the place is now painted white and with little heating it was very cold indeed. The toilets were untidy and freezing cold.
“On the way in we were told ‘cash only’ – after our meal I tried to find a cash machine close by, but it was out of order, and I didn’t feel safe walking around looking for a cash machine.
“When I went back to the restaurant and said I was unable to get cash then suddenly a hand card swipe machine appeared, and I was able to pay for our meal. This took the shine off our meal, cold and a hunt for a cash machine is not what you want after a nice meal.
“As I said food still great, but the place has lost its magic. We won’t be going back any time soon, what a shame.”
Another December customer said: “Unfortunately our review is not in favour of a return visit.
“On arrival, once seated, we were informed it was cash only which was a real inconvenience as the nearest cashpoint was right down near Tesco however luckily a few of our party had cash.
“I questioned why the booking contact wasn’t called as it would have been common courtesy to let us know prior to our arrival and was told rather abruptly to speak to the manager if I have any questions. Rude!
“However due to the time and wanting to stay out of the cold we opted to stay with the men braving the cold to get more cash. We were a party of 12. Big mistake.
“The restaurant was freezing cold resulting in lots of diners eating with their outdoor coats on part way through! It didn’t help that every time a party of people left, the outer door was left open allowing further cold air into the porch and on into the restaurant.
“Coke was flat, although this was changed on request and the decor was flat to match! Very dated!
“The only good thing was the food. Despite the long wait, it was very nice meat on the skewers.
“It’s a shame as we had been previously (pre Covid), and it was a lot nicer. So, it is at this end we shall not be return.”
The payment card issue was not new.
Last summer one Tripadvisor reviewer said: “We got out our cards to pay and sat for another 10 minutes till catching his eye and asking if we could pay to which he said, ‘the card machine is not working you need to go and get cash’.
“We got cash, paid, and left with no eye contact, no thank you, and no smile. Even though the food was tolerable the customer service was shocking.”
On Facebook more than 200 people – many who have used the restaurant regularly – were supportive and disappointed at the closure.
“Absolutely heartbroken, this was one of the few places I would always come to when I came back home. The food and the atmosphere were amazing!! All the best for the future, you will definitely be missed,” wrote one.
Another said: “Sad, we have been celebrating in Salamis for over 30years.. Happy Happy Memories
“Wishing you the best for the future and Thank you.”
A third wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken for you (and us) many memories over 30 years including our first meal together as husband and wife. Wishing you all the best for the future.”
And this customer wrote: “Omg Milo I am so sorry to hear this Very sad news. I’ve been coming to Salamis for over 30 years.
“Every time we visited your food was always so tasty and we all had a brilliant time.
“I would always visit you on my Birthday, going to miss it this year. Best Wishes and good Luck in whatever you do in the future.”
