Pub near Oldham hits out at 'rude' customers amid complaints

The Tandle Hill Tavern, located on Thornham Lane, issued a statement online in response to a recent “influx” of people berating their staff “when they don’t get red carpet rolled out”.

In a lengthy post on Facebook, the pub explained some of the realities of running a small, countryside pub and addressed the issues raised by customers.

One of the issues appears to be related to “muddy floors”, which owners say is due to the pub’s location and the fact it is only accessible via muddy lanes and fields.

The post said: “When you get here our tiled floor will be a bit muddy because 98 per cent of our customers including yourself will bring it in with you, it can't be helped and we won't be mad.”

Linked to the post are screenshots of a one-star Google review from one customer, who complained about a pre-booked table that had “barely enough room for four drinks let alone four meals”.

The Tandle Hill Tavern’s direct response to the customer, which is also attached to the post, states that the table had been originally booked for two and it was the pub’s busiest day.

What’s more, they claimed the customer was “rude” and “intimidating” when speaking to the staff.

Adding to this in the Facebook post, the pub explained that there is only room for 35 people in the main room and a further 10 in the snug area.

The pub also addressed the dog policy, saying: “There will be dogs, probably lots of dogs because they are enjoying a walk and some warmth with their owners and we have a large range of healthy, natural dog treats because, well, we like dogs and as a general rule they aren't rude.”

Tandle Hill Tavern’s post then goes on to paint a picture of what customers can expect from them.

This includes “old boys at the bar”, “a family in the snug playing board games and making memories” and a “comforting crackle and warm glow coming from our fire”.

The post adds: “There’s no airs and graces, just real people enjoying the simple things in life. It’s not the Ritz, it’s not a restaurant, it’s a proper old fashioned British pub.

“The Tavern isn't to everyone's taste and that’s ok. If we all liked the same things the world would be a boring place.”

There has been an outpouring of support from customers in the comment section of the Facebook post.

Greg Bamford wrote: “When a country pub situated up a country lane with no passing trade manages to thrive in this age of dying pubs, the management must be doing something special.

“Everyone catered for in traditional style and as you say in friendly company, does anyone really have reason to complain? I think not.”

Mike Fitzpatrick said: “The Tandle Hill Tavern is the small utopia we all crave. My family in Sweden and Australia love to visit when home from abroad. The quintessential hidden gem tucked away down our country lane. Go well! Good luck!”

The post also appears to have attracted some new potential punters.

Del Pepper said: “Ooh i never knew about this pub near Tandle Hills but now I do, I will be popping in. Not only did you give a cracking response, I think you may have a lot more new customers visiting.”