Shanghai Bund Huaman Apartment in Shanghai

Came here on a weekend early afternoon and there was no wait for a table of 4. Tea sets like most afternoon tea, nothing special. Very unimpressed with the service.

While we were eating, manager came to our table and randomly asked if we wanted still water. We gave her a very confused look and said no. She repeated the same question two more times, while we continue to give her the same confused look, before she asked us to remove the bottled water that we brought it and left it on the table. Later we requested refill for the coffee pot, but it never came. We asked once again and was told they will bring it over. After a long wait, we asked again. At this point we were was getting very impatient at this point since we waited for half hour for the refill and expressed our frustration. The waitress then finally tell us because we got the coffee a la carte, there is no free refill. Instead of nodding their head and acknowledging the request, they couldn't tell us in the first place?

Being Chinese myself, I understand the culture is to avoid confrontation and be indirect. However, the two occurances made me very uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Perhaps they should gear their services to what fits their clienteles.