It was rough everywhere up there. Why the drinks trolley was out, is a question that needs an answer.
Maybe just not forecast where they were? You never really know with turbulence do you. On a recent flight from Europe to the USA, about mid atlantic, the cockpit warned of possible moderate turbulence and even had the cabin crew take their seats. I sat there waiting for the inevitable bumpy ride......and not a ripple, nothing, nix, nada. This is not a criticism of the cockpit who had good reason to play safe, but just an example of how unpredictable it can be either way.