On Sunday, 1st September at approximately 12:45 my partner and I were passing on our journey from Cambridgeshire to Lancashire and saw The Fox Inn which we thought was beautiful with the flowers and looked forward to going in for a meal. Upon arrival at the car park we parked in a space which I think another couple wanted who arrived seconds later and looked over at us with disgust. We were there first and I don’t barge in front of others so this was unfortunate for them. We sat down at a table which was unreserved by the window and although four seats there was plenty of other space. We were deciding what to have when we saw this couple come in and again we noticed a look of disapproval by them as they sat down at a nearby table. They told one of the staff that they were regulars and they normally sit where we were sat, so this member of staff took their side and asked us to move saying the table was reserved and there were only two of us. This was discrimination against outsiders as there was no reservation marked on the table and just like them there were two of us; so to claim we shouldn’t have it as it was for four when there were only two of them is unacceptable, especially as there was no official reservation.The arrogance exercised by this couple upset my partner who decided not to bother eating and she was in tears by the time she got to the car. It looked a nice place and if we had been recognised for our place in the queue – i.e. getting there first without excuses for regulars to have preferential treatment, I think it would have had a good report. After all, the staff were courteous and everything looked ideal. But if customers who have been treated inappropriately who complain don’t get an acknowledgement or apology I think this means it is not worth the recognition it gets since it victimises innocent outsiders over the preference for regular locals.I have written to the licensee and landlord of the pub Mr and Mrs Winter but haven’t received anything of an acknowledgement yet. If they think that they can ignore us I certainly won’t let this unacceptable standard of discrimination induced by an arrogant regular couple pass by without shame. It seems I have uncovered another side of the character of this place.I shall try to visit incognito and see how I get served. I don’t know if I will be remembered but I shall try not to make them aware.
