The internet can be a harsh place, especially for businesses like pubs, who are constantly at the mercy of online reviews. This week, the owner of The Plough Inn in Far Forest, near Bewdley, found himself on the receiving end of a scathing one-star review on Tripadvisor. The customer, known only as Julie, claimed to have had an “absolutely shocking experience” during her visit, citing a meager carvery selection, underwhelming dessert portions, and slow, surly service.
Julie didn’t hold back in her critique, writing, “Absolutely shocking experience! Never ever again! They need new management and staff!” Her review went on to describe the staff as “grumpy and smirky”, the menus as “creased”, and the carvery as “absolutely disgusting” for being almost empty at 7:15 pm. She even took issue with the “appalling” size of a lemon drizzle slice, declaring the entire experience “absolutely vile.”
The Plough Inn, despite boasting a 3.5 rating from over 1,300 reviews, clearly wasn’t prepared to let this scathing feedback go unchallenged. Mark, the pub owner, responded to Julie’s review with a fiery retort. In his response, Mark questioned Julie’s judgment, suggesting that she “stay at home” and calling her “a bit of a tool.” He even went on to share his own experience with a disappointing meal in Majorca, claiming he wouldn’t leave a bad review. His final advice to Julie? “JUST GET A LIFE.”
Mark’s response, while undoubtedly harsh, reflects the growing frustration many business owners experience with negative online reviews. This incident highlights the double-edged sword of online platforms like Tripadvisor, which can be powerful tools for both praise and criticism. As the owner of the pub, Mark is clearly passionate about his business and defended it fiercely. While Julie’s experience may have been unpleasant, the story serves as a reminder that everyone’s perspective is unique, and the online world doesn’t always reflect the full picture.
