A highly-rated pub has fired back at a customer's poor review and told them never to return. Pub bosses accused the post's author of showing "cowardice" on TripAdvisor.
Staff at the Cricketts Inn in Acresford, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire, issued the stark response to the diner who posted the one star review earlier this year. The diner criticised a 'bland' fish dish and quality of a jackfruit burger, but claimed they ate half of it out of embarrassment, reports DerbyshireLive.
In a condescending swipe at staff, the diner urged them to "take something away from our review and get back to basics". But in a stinging response, landlady Corinne Gill, revealed the customer had eaten three quarters of the fish dish, and had not said anything when offered the chance to give feedback in person.
The disgruntled diner's review in full
"We just wanted this to work and be our new go-to place but we will not be returning. A very weird but very overpriced menu.
"The masala fish just tasted of fairly bland fish and chips but looked like an explosion of food colouring. Both portions we ordered were half eaten but most of that was just out of embarrassment to leave it all.
"The vegan jackfruit burger was deep-fried and overcooked and like all the meals was just with far too much salt. My daughter's chicken with gnocchi she struggled with as [it had] very little taste again apart from salt.
"Neither of my children are fussy and one is a good cook so knows her onions. The whole bill for four main courses, two beers and two lemonades came to £75.
"I don't mind paying this in a pub if the food is very good. We've just got back from a holiday in Shrewsbury and a table overlooking the riverside including two deserts and one extra beer with five-star service and food at the Armoury restaurant was only £8 more.
"The reviews show that this is mostly liked so this may be to your liking but not ours. I just hope they may take something away from our review and get back to basics but do it exceptionally well.
"If that happens we may consider returning and I will personally congratulate the new owners. As a business owner myself it's tough but this needs a rethink in my own opinion."
The restaurant's response
"Hi there, thank you for your feedback both here and on Google Review. We noted your deleted posts too, and then re-posts.
"Please do not bother returning to our establishment as you are not welcome. Cowardice without a voice during service when we were good enough to fit you in at ten minutes’ notice, then when invited to feedback and asked how your meal was, you remained silent, but then, you were busy tucking into a good three quarters of that ‘bland’ fish.
"So big, you were unable to finish it in fact. We have no problem cooking or recooking any dish to our customer’s liking, we are, after all, a fresh food kitchen able to do this.
"We can’t, however, provide this level of professionalism and diligence after the event, from TripAdvisor without any awareness of what the problems were.
"As a business owner yourself as you claim, you would know this better than anyone else. Smells of foul play to us but life’s too short to hold grudges. We wish you and your business all the karma you are deserving of."
Other diners verdict
The venue has an average rating of four out of five after more than 630 TripAdvisor reviews, of which more than 300 are "Excellent". Other diners have been more impressed than the disgruntled customer, with a five-star reviewer posting: "Just been today and had a fabulous lunch with my oldies. Both in their 90s we struggle with places accessible for them both.
"No problem here as there is a ramp so no stairs to contend with. Lovely friendly landlord and landlady, helpful and chatty. I had the garlic and chilli prawn light lunch. It was delicious. Love that it had a bit of a kick, massive portion too.
"Beautiful country pub, fab beer garden. Will definitely visit again with my husband. Thank you."
Another said: "Lovely family lunch - ribs are to die for. The food is lovely and tasty. Kids enjoyed it and we are made to feel very welcome as a family. Highly recommend."
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