Restaurant chain Miller and Carter has set out its strict dress code rules after a man wearing a tracksuit was refused entry.
A spokesperson for the steakhouse giant said all of its restaurants require diners to wear "smart casual" clothing, after a customer in Birmingham was turned away. Miller and Carter has restaurants at Liverpool's Albert Dock and in Otterspool, as well as brances in Aughton, Parbold, Warrington and another in Ellesmere Port.
The customer left a scathing Tripadvisor review and accused staff of "making snide comments". The restaurant in question is ranked as the best in the area, with a 4.5 rating.
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But the unhappy would-be diner said she would never return after being left "mortified", Plymouth Live reports. She said she, her partner, and their 10-year-old daughter had been for a family meal, and that their clothing had never been an issue at other Miller and Carter locations.
The woman said she was "absolutely appalled to say the least" when her partner was refused entry because he wore a "smart grey tracksuit".
Her review continued: “The two women at the desk were very rude the minute we arrived, making snide comments and looking my partner up and down. The one lady told us it was down to the manager and then told us she was actually one of the managers herself.
“Very rude, very abrupt and I don't mean to be rude myself, but I would not say they were dressed very well myself. I felt mortified and embarrassed especially with our ten-year-old daughter who was with us.
“The lady told us different Miller and Carters have different rules, which makes no sense at all. Discrimination the minute we arrived. We will not be returning again.”
The restaurant manager who dealt with the incident has since replied to the review and re-emphasised the dress policy. Noting that the guests were offered the chance to re-book at a later time, the manager made it clear that the policy was mandatory across all locations.
The response in full said: “Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your visit to us yesterday. I have replied to your other correspondence also, but please see my response below.
“I was the host who greeted you and conversed with you regarding the dress code. We do not allow sportswear within the restaurant area and as such, the gentleman with whom you were with, was wearing a tracksuit.
“We would have happily booked you in for a later time, as suggested to you in person, allowing you the opportunity to change but do advise our guests that we operate this policy. A copy of this is available within our lobby area and will always be more than happy to answer any questions.
“I find it pertinent to remind you that this is a policy that is held across the brand of Miller and Carter and as such is not discrimination against any persons who visit us. We do wish you a pleasant week ahead.”
A Miller and Carter spokesperson has since confirmed this to be the case, explaining they see their restaurants as "a bit of a treat".
The spokesperson said: "We like to think that dining at Miller and Carter is a bit of a treat, and many of our guests like to dress up to celebrate their special occasions. Therefore we have a smart-casual dress code and kindly request that no sportswear is worn when visiting Miller and Carter."
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