Chicken boarders

[Leicester_H]

Hi

 

The other week we visited a local Pub for Lunch (they also have a restaurant room open in the evening).

Parking in the car park I spotted a walk-in run with 7 hens. Looked a bit barren but not too bad.

 

I had some very nice local gammon and OH had local ham. Meal was very nice and service was great.

 

We asked if the chicken was free range (in 'preparation' for a return visit). He replied yes and stated that his hens supplied all the eggs - his statements were quite clear, no ifs, buts, maybe's. Great (we thought).

 

However, on reflection I was amazed that

a. 7 hens (2 with v. small combs and so probably not laying yet) could supply all their egg needs

b. if the chicken was FR, why it didn't say so on the menu (they boast about the 'local' gammon/ham etc).

 

So I emailed him 2 questions - he answered 1 but ignored the FR chicken question - so I assume he won't put it in 'writing' because it isn't FR.

 

I feel very dissapointed by this and am glad I didn't order the chicken last time (we won't be going back and I have emailed him to say why - if he'd answered honestly we simply would have ordered something other than chicken).

 

Your thoughts - is it OK for restauranteurs to lie about their food ?? (Although there were 2 of us and only 1 of him, I guess it would still come down to his word against ours as to what was said ??)

 

H

Edited August 5, 2011 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

It isn't OK for people to make spurious claims abut their food. However, as it was verbal, as you say, so you will be in a one person's word against another's situation so I doubt you will get anywhere.

[The Dogmother]

I agree but I'd still be inclined to complain to the brewery or management company; although it was verbal, it's still misrepresentation of the facts.

[majuka]

I am always somewhat suspicious if it does not say in writing on the menu or on their website. When going somewhere new I always phone ahead to see what vegetarian options they have and whether their eggs are free range. Most places are quite honest, there is usually a slight pause then they say 'no they are from caged birds' in which case I will reply 'Thank you, I will leave it then'. I have only had one place I rang that said 'I don't know, they come from the local dairy' and I said 'thank you, I will leave it then if you are not sure' which prompted her to say 'oh yes, I've just remembered, they are free range'.... I didn't eat there because I really did not believe her.