Couple branded 'riff raff' by Middlesborough restaurant after complaining about meal
'I felt degraded and disgusted'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A couple who complained about their meal were left shocked after staff at the restaurant branded them as “riff raff.”
Jo and Jason Savage visited The Oven in Middlesborough for a romantic date night but were unhappy with the food they received.
Despite not being on the menu, Jo ordered prawns for her main meal while husband Jason opted for the parmo - a breaded meat cutlet topped with cheese.
The pair said they were left disappointed after Jo slammed her choice as “rubbery” and branded partner Jason’s option as “greasy."
After complaining to restaurant staff the couple received a refund for their food, however, still unsatisfied Jo decided to post her grievance on Facebook.
The review quickly sparked a response from the restaurant which saw the couple branded as “riff raff” who staff didn’t want to serve in the first place.
“When you arrived at 9.15pm, the waiter didn’t want to serve you based on your appearance, against our better judgement we did!” the message read.
“You received eight prawns, ate six of them and then sent two back and complained they were disgusting after you’ve eaten the majority and some of your husband’s parmo – no wonder you couldn’t fit in the last two prawns!
“We then took your meal off the bill – free of charge – yet you have the front to say we are a disgrace!
“Hey ho! Lesson learned, always trust your better judgement, next time we will protect our customers from riff raff.”
Upon reading the message Jo said that she felt “sick” and “shocked to the core.”
“I felt degraded and disgusted," she told Gazette Live.
“We lived in Dubai for five years – we are not riff raff.”
Jo also explained that she thought the comments about their appearance was completely untrue.
"I had a peach jumper with pull-up sleeves, which was brand new and some shiny black leather pants and boots which were also brand new as they were my Christmas clothes," she said.
"Jason had a Henry Lloyd top, which cost £70 and isn’t cheap or scruffy – we were dressed smartly."
Nonetheless, the restaurant refused to apologise and insisted that staff “bent over backwards” to please the couple
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments