Restaurant manager is 'sworn and screamed at' in controversial row over £10 table deposit
20.02.2023 - 14:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Since the pandemic, having to pay a deposit when booking a table has become increasingly a part of going out to eat. But a chef from Beverley, near Hull, has sparked a debate online, after he refused to return a deposit to a customer who had turned up with one less diner in their party.
James Allcock runs The Pig & Whistle and took to Twitter over the weekend, claiming he was ‘screamed at’ and sworn at by the diner, and ‘was certain she was actually going to punch me’.
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He added in a later tweet: “I don’t know any other business or industry in the world where you can book a seat & cancel it without charge or expecting money back. Try ringing Justin Bieber & asking for your money back when you can’t attend? If you don’t get that restaurants are the same you’re too far gone.”
The issue came with the small restaurant’s booking policy, which states that a £10 deposit per person is required on booking. Allcock says that he then received the abuse over his intention to keep back £10 for the one person that didn’t show, adding that the no-show meant he had a table for two now available, after turning other customers away.
Allcock said that the group then ‘refused to pay the bill if we didn’t take the £50 off. Called me a pr**k, a**ehole, screamed in my face. I was certain she was actually going to punch me. She was so aggressive. Took my picture to post online with her negative review threats’.
Manchester chef Simon Wood was among those chiming in with support, saying: “100% what should happen, tbh £50 Is getting off lightly. But one Twitter user replied: “Hmm, I don’t think you’re position is one that’s objectively black vs white