A restaurant owner has clapped back at a customer who left a scathing review on Tripadvisor
Barry McLaughlin who owns Poachers fired back saying workers "couldn't believe what they were dealing with" as he alleged one of the party "berated a senior member of staff very publicly".
He also said the reviewer was the "most unfair, bitter, and rude" customer he's had in 17 years.
The response came after the man posted a review on TripAdvisor saying he wasn't happy with the food at the eatery in Cork, Ireland, and that their bill total came to over €200 (£177) despite having complaints about many of the dishes.
Among those was an allegedly fatty steak, a "bland" chowder and "dry" burger along with "greasy" chips. They claimed a lot of the seafood was overcooked.
They also took exception to the menu being a little different from the one posted online, and added they'd been regulars for over 10 years at the restaurant.
After posting it online they added they'd complained at the time and were expecting a call from the manager in the days that followed - but it never came.
Owner Barry was quick to dismiss their complaints, posting back an extensive reply and also mentioning other details of the visit that weren't mentioned in the initial review.
He blasted the behaviour of some of the diners at the table, said staff were treated rudely by them, and that despite all the food complaints every dish was eaten.
"First of all, from our point of view, everything was a problem for (mainly) you and 1 other member of your party from the moment you arrived - the table, the menu, the service, almost every dish (only after the fact). We initially attempted to take a drinks order and we were rudely dismissed.
"Your table was visited regularly. The food your party ordered was eaten, your barrage of complaints came after the fact (you seem to have added a few new ones for your review). As is standard, your table was checked when having your meals and all was ok.
"You claimed on the night (after it was finished!!) the striploin was 50% fat, that'll be a new one on most people.
"Lastly, you'll recall that you, along with another member of your party, came up to the bar counter in an aggressive manner and berated a senior member of staff very publicly - all because she rightly charged you full price on the basis that everything was eaten at your table - not for the first time you've certainly put your own spin on what happened there!!.
"We absolutely welcome feedback here, especially when the hard-working customer has something that might not meet expectations, it helps us stay consistent and helps us improve.
"In this case the credibility of your multiple complaints were difficult to process because (a) everything was eaten (b) all was fine when we checked during the meal (c) your behaviour on the night (it was atrocious towards the staff from the first minute).
"Customers that heard you were appalled by what they witnessed by you in particular.
@Every single staff member that was on that night couldn't believe what they were dealing with which is all the more disappointing given that you were keen to portray yourself repeatedly as a hospitality professional.....how can someone that claims to work in our trade be so demeaning and aggressive in their attitude to fellow colleagues? You'd wonder."
