'We have all been through enough these last two years and yet the haters keep hating'

The Staff Canteen

Editor

Why do people think it's okay to treat Hospitality staff so poorly?

In an Instagram post, Mark Hix, chef-owner of The Oyster & Fish House and The Fox Inn, called out a particularly mean commenter who messaged his comms manager on TripAdvisor. In the post, he showed the message they had received along with the response he sent back.

View this post on Instagram

His response pointed out the problem with comments like this, stating, "I hope you realise that people, including myself, have lost their jobs over this. Suppliers have lost their business. We really don’t need this kind of hate in our lives."

He ended the message by saying, "Let’s see what people think of you on social media shall we?"

Social media was not kind to the anonymous commenter, with many people responding to the post in support of Mark.

Chef Michael Bonacini commented: "Sounds like a bit of a plonker if you ask me." A sentiment that many people agreed with.

Mrharrisonsr, agreeing with Michael, commented: "I don’t think he’s quite cut out for a future career as a critic; as reviews go it’s not exactly A.A."

Along with the comments against the person being called out in the post, there was also a number supporting Mark and his team.

Pipacomeshome commented: "Please don’t let one god-awful sad man make you feel so bad. We had just the best time when we came last year and we still talk about it. Such delicious food and friendly staff." Along with her Frejac19 said, "For what’s it’s worth, myself and my family and friends, have immensely enjoyed your food, ambience and the dedicated team you Employ. Luckily, there are more of us than this tool."

In the post itself, Mark commented: "We have all been through enough these last two years and yet the haters keep hating. Don’t they realise they are messaging real people with real lives? And yet my Comms Manager Jo received this delightful message tonight on TripAdvisor."

"What is wrong with people? I bet he wouldn’t say this to my face. And, sadly, his messages to Jo got worse, very personal and more offensive throughout the evening."

As well as stating that he had found out who he was and would be calling him to talk to him as to why someone who had, in his words, "dined with [them] once in 2021" would "barrage" his comms manager Jo with abuse.

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