On 23 July, we called and had an exquisite meal. It is the most expensive meal we have ever enjoyed but that is not the point.
What has left a very bad taste in our mouths is that we called on the basis of an advertisement which offered a 15% discount but when we came to pay, that was denied and despite furnishing the evidence to them and since demanding a refund of the obligatory service charge because of the poor service we have received through this matter, everything has gone quiet.
Our bill for two adults and six children was £325.05. I have tried to be very helpful and polite to the owner, Mr Benjamin Bowen and have all the emails between us. I explained how we mentioned the offer when booking, then mentioned it when we ordered drinks and when the menus arrived, so before we ordered (subsequently we learnt that this was with Mr Bowen himself but we did not know that at the time). It was simple and was that we were recommended to try Parkers by a guide called “Best of Cheltenham†(we didn’t know anywhere in Cheltenham) and the advertisement said “quote “The Best of Cheltenham†& receive 15% off food and drinks Mon-Fri until 27 November 2009â€.
The waiter said he knew nothing of the scheme and went away to telephone the owner. He came back and said there was no scheme so I agreed to pay the full sum on the promise they would look into the matter and could recredit me upon confirming what I said. I left my business card but in the end, they did not come back to me and I had to contact them.
I have issued a final warning but there has been no response.
I have acquired confirmation that the establishment paid £399 plus VAT for the entry in the guide and I have seen the confirmation email dated 18 march 2009 from Mr Bowen to the Guide stating “All looks fine to meâ€, when the draft was sent to him. I have a copy of the advertisement he approved and it contains the words I have quoted.