Pub Manager Hits Back After Bad Review From Woman Who Ate Three Plates

The pub has a three-star rating on TripAdvisor, and internet reviews are generally positive, but this person didn't have a good time, alleging that the food was "less than satisfactory for those of us with no dietary restrictions," and that those with allergies were not catered for.

After visiting the restaurant in November 2021, the woman – whose name was given as Lilli – left a one-star review, claiming that they'd booked a family buffet and informed management that two members of the party had food allergies.

Credit: Google Maps

Her review stated: "Pre-booked a family buffet well in advance, ensured the management knew the exact requirements for two of our guests who had food allergies, one of which has a severe allergy and carries an epi-pen at all times.”

"Nothing was as promised and food was provided with no assurance that the allergies had been catered for. The food supplied was less than acceptable for those of us with no dietary requirements.”

Credit: Alamy (stock)

"Saddest thing is that they will not acknowledge these issues and choose to ignore them. Someone may have died had they eaten an item they were allergic to.”

"HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THEM - but - NO RESPONSE to date."

Adam, the manager of Old House at Home, however, determined that he couldn't let her comments go unanswered.

He further stated that he has reacted to the customer by phone and email and that he has a video of the woman eating a lot.

Adam wrote: "I'm very sorry that you felt the need to write this review, particularly as you had contact from us via email and phone call to try and resolve your quarrels. All your noted allergy requirements were met and noted on the buffet.”

"May I add that food catered for specific allergens is perfectly fine to eat for people without the allergy. As a sandwich buffet with difficulties around multiple allergens you received more food than our normal allocation for such a small buffet request."

"We have multiple functions involving buffets and great word of mouth reviews for what we supply. The food cannot have been that bad as you had three plate fulls [sic] of it as far as my CCTV shows so I am unsure what you are trying to achieve.”

"My assistant manager has listened and we do our best to fix any issues in house at the time, but no comments were made to any of our team on the day, and she has decided it's best that, should you wish, you contact Marston’s customer services directly.”

"I am satisfied that we went beyond the norm for your buffet because of the allergen requests. And whilst we have tried to communicate to resolve the complaint, you slander us on review websites with false information."

It's unclear who is correct in this case, but it just goes to show that you never know who will read what you publish on the internet.