Howdens Joinery - Thurmaston

Disappointing quality considering the price. Units were cheap-looking inside and had wholes drilled everywhere- not great too look at! The doors were okay but the selection wasn't the best considering their meant to be the biggest kitchen company in the UK. Wsa disappointed and would not use again

The good bits - Free tea, coffee and biscuits. The prices are good for tradesmen and they are a good friendly bunch! Got a free saw and free fish & chips were on offer later the same day.

Unfortunately that is about it! The above is more than likely done to keep the tradesmen extra sweet - all part and parcel of running a big business nowadays I guess!

Far too much effort or lack of effort (let's face it its easy to just chill out and have a good time) is put into the banter and not into giving a hoot about the customer.

Given a lot of the staff are young and want to have a good time at work, but you are dealing with people's livelihoods and ultimately customers are waiting for kitchens to be completed. They don't want me knocking on their door every other day doing bits and bobs while Howden's just deny all knowledge.

Initially when picking up the 1st lot of units I was kept waiting over an hour - a ridiculous amount of time - while staff pushed buttons on a computer and warehouse staff struggled to locate items (The warehouse seemed just as disorganised as the front desk from what I witnessed.)

I won't blame the front line workers however - it always stems down from the top. Management need to make sure all staff are held accountable, trained to be customer-focused and follow up all queries personally.

Luckily the part I was chasing up wasn't a major part of the final kitchen (a door). The hassle of going to and fro and making several phone calls to try to rectify the issue and then to find no-one knew what I was talking about?! How does this occur?! It was either denial or confusion! There are only maybe 5 or so desk staff so how does any confusion even occur?! I dealt with all 5 of them through phone or face to face yet still door-less after over 10 days.

Furthermore, I specifically gave my account info each time and was told "I'll give you a call, It's done, We will get it from another branch when we go there later, You'll have it by tomorrow, I'll make sure its done personally, call you at 3pm today and it will be here", etc etc. Every line in the book was given but still not one member of staff is convincing.

Awaiting to hear from the store on monday (they said it'll be in on monday for definite!!) but won't hold my breath or sit waiting for my phone to ring as they probably won't even call.

Anyhow, the weekend is here so here's a beer to ikea, benchmark and magnet kitchens!

Terrible and slow service. Been waiting here for 45minutes for a door lining. Would not recommend you waste your time