Just flicking back through this thread and I read Hollins remarks about being pleased at having individual meals served to the correct person without having to be told. This reminded me of the exact opposite which I witnessed a few years ago in the early days of the Avon Conwy.
The place was a shambles. Everything was going wrong, no menues, queues for drinks whilst staff consulted computer screens etc etc. But the ultimate cock up for want of more refined words was to come.
There was a large family birthday party at a table close to the bar.all excited youngsters. There was another family group towards the back of the restaurant, more hidden away. All of a sudden the door leading to the kitchens burst open and out came four or five clowns carrying the birthday cake with candles and singing and throwing balloons around. Went straight past the group of excited youngsters and off to the quiet party in the corner, who were staring in amazement quote "we haven't ordered any birthday cakes." So, oh dear, about turn, second rendition of happy birthday to you to the correct table, the birthday girl by now being close to tears.