A witty restaurant owner has hit back at a customer who left a scathing review on Tripadvisor.
The unnamed reviewer complained about food prices after visiting Raja Monkey, claiming it was "excessive for the quality of food."
But the owner said it was an insult with restaurants "struggling to survive" as they face an abyss of closures in the current economic climate.
It comes as businesses struggle to stay afloat faced with constant challenges due to Brexit, the soaring cost of living and record inflation.
The diner visited the Indian restaurant earlier this summer and claimed the eatery had "lost authenticity" in their one star review titled "disappointed that quality gone down," reports Birmingham Live.
It read: "Prices are excessive for quality of food. Tailored for western market, lost authenticity the restaurant previously had, reduced menu compared to before the extension.
"Service was good but did not make up for poor food."
The comments stand out in contrast to the restaurant's overall 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, from more than 550 independent traveller reviews.
Its owner appeared unable to suppress their emotions in a reply pointing out the challenges businesses face.
The comment read: "Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are disappointed and surprised to learn of your dissatisfaction.
"You provided no such feedback when our staff did check back on your meal. We had not a single complaint on the night on any of the items you described as poor.
"In the current economic climate when restaurants are struggling to survive, it’s an insult on an establishment to complain about price. We hope you reconsider your opinions next time you dine out."
While the customer had been quick to shame the eatery for its poor food quality and price, they praised the service in their review.
But the restaurant owner was not prepared to accept other points raised by the reviewer and challenged their criticisms.
"Please describe what you mean by authenticity?" the owner asked.
"You ordered Pau Bhaji, Samosa Chaat and Paneer Makhani etc.. what is not so authentic here?
"In terms of your comments of excessive price. Let’s put this into perspective. Dining out is a privilege.
"Someone has to cook, wash, clean and bring the food out to you. Whilst you sit in comfort in a warm and pleasant environment.
"Our average meal costs £21 to £25 including VAT. Not too far priced from fast food places. When we are one of a very few restaurants that actually do fresh live cooking.
"Then the taxman takes 20 per cent, guess who pays for that? When the average restaurants make five to 10 per cent profit if lucky.
"I’m sure you would like us to pay a fair wage too? Yet unwilling to pay for it when we pass the costs on."
Raja Monkey in Hall Green, Birmingham, has 557 reviews on Tripadvisor - of which 478 brand it either excellent or very good.
One person described it as "up there as one of my favourites and highly recommended" while another called it the "absolute jewel of Birmingham."
A third commented: "The food and service was the best we have had while travelling the UK... from start to finish, it was the best dining experience we've had in the UK."
