Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Miles Brignall

I was barred from a restaurant – and now I can’t use my voucher

Banned … after diners were ousted from a ‘reserved’ window table.
Banned … after diners were ousted from a ‘reserved’ window table. Photograph: CBCK-Christine/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy

I have been going to an expensive French restaurant in central London for years. I always ask for a favourite window seat and, prior to our last visit, popped in an hour before to confirm. When we arrived other diners were sitting there. We politely asked for the table and, after a rather awkward discussion, the diners were moved. We later spoke to the owner to complain, and thought no more about it – until I tried to book a table using an £85 prepaid voucher and was told I am no longer welcome. So I am stuck with a voucher for a restaurant from which I have been barred. PO,Twickenham

Ask yourself whether your behaviour has been entirely appropriate. The restaurant – we are deliberately not naming it – says you behaved appallingly, in effect forcing the other diners to move. After this, and later conversations, the owner decided you are not welcome.

Without being there, it is hard to know the truth. It is entitled to ban diners it believes are disruptive. However, it did stop you using a voucher bought before the ban and has now agreed to refund you.

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.