A pub manager has blasted a customer who ordered takeaway pizza after turning up without a reservation and finding the restaurant was fully booked. But the customer defended his decision to eat takeaway in the pub's beer garden, claiming he was "refused any food ", as Birmingham Live reports.
The awkward encounter came to light after the disgruntled customer slammed the pub in a Tripadvisor review, complaining that the landlord "had a go" at his group after they ordered takeaway. However, a staff member quickly dismissed his claims as "incorrect", alleging it was the customer who had been rude.
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The trouble came about after the unnamed man visited the Dog and Partridge, in Calf Heath, in July.
With a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor - based on 350 independent traveller reviews - the Black Country pub is no stranger to praise. Previous reviewers have even dubbed it a "hidden gem" and "absolutely faultless."
But the pub did not meet up to this customer's standards, despite its glowing reviews.
Leaving a two "poor" rating, the disgruntled drinker titled his review: ""Unfriendly staff, grotty little 'beer garden' - not worth the trip."
His post claimed: "Popped in on foot with a group of friends on Saturday evening after a trip on the canal. Got our drinks ok but then were refused any food 'because you haven’t booked'.
"Sat in the ‘beer garden’ watching all around us being served bar snacks and meals (the kitchen was clearly open)… eventually ordered a pizza via Deliveroo as there was nothing else within walking distance of our boat…
"And then the landlord came out and had a go at us! Unbelievable."
However, Paula, the general manager at the Dog and Partridge, recounted a different version of events when she responded to the review.
She said that the customer had been rude to her and a fellow staff member, even before ordering the takeaway, which other customers had blasted as "terrible".
Paula wrote: "Thank you for taking the time to write this very incorrect review, I can only presume you were the rude gentleman that I tried to show a funny video at the bar to be told 'No I only watch wide screen TVs not phones' whilst whooshing me away with your hand, also rude to the lady who asked you if you would like ice and lemon.
"Also we did not tell you we could not serve you as you had not booked, we told you we were fully booked and the restaurant was full. You then proceeded to feel it ok to order pizza to the pub, customers even commented how terrible it was of you.
"And my husband did NOT have a go at you he simply asked you to take your rubbish with you and he would appreciate it if you didn't order takeaways to the pub and its always best to book.
"So all I have to say on this matter is look at all our other reviews, this is a very friendly and welcoming pub, Saturday nights are extremely busy and it's always best to book. We are also pleased all our other customers are not as rude."
The angry customer's review is only one of a handful of similarly-ranked ratings, with 332 of the pub's other 354 reviews rated as 'excellent' or 'very good'.
One pleased customer wrote: "We pre-booked having read Tripadvisor and glad we did as restaurant was busy, always a good sign.
"Several real ales to choose from, good selection of lager and wine. Menu caters for everyone including smaller appetites. I had the brisket which melted in your mouth, really good and a good size portion.
"Staff were friendly and helpful. If only you were nearer my home in Norfolk!!"
Another reviewer said: "This was our second visit and this time we invited a couple of friends to join us. In last Monday's sweltering lunchtime heat the inside of the pub was lovely and cool (except for the kitchen, I'm sure!)
"Once again, all of the staff were smiley, attentive and gave great service. They really give the impression that nothing would be too much trouble.
"Mains of lasagne, tuna salad, battered cod (baby whale-sized!) and chicken tikka were all delicious and generously portioned. We also enjoyed desserts of Toblerone bar slice, Biscoff cheesecake and creamy ice creams.
"There is a good choice of ales, ciders and wines to satisfy all palates. This pub is an absolute gem and it is crystal clear as to why it is best to book a table in advance. Thank you all for being just brilliant."
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