The Blazing Donkey in Ham, Sandwich, Kent

beks

DebtHater wrote: »

For a general place to eat and drink its nice.

Just seems they are very "forgetful" when it comes to bookings and payments etc

That may well be true (although not according to trip advisor), but believe me, I will not be heading there for a meal to find out.

After the way that we were treated, I will never go anywhere near his establishments again and neither will any of my friends or family. Our 'problem' never should have gone so far, he could have easily solved it if he had held his hands up and apologised and admitted making a mistake.

I know of people who have let their money go, for me I could not let it go and there are very personal reasons for that.

It is not simply a case of being forgetful, it is a case of being an arrogant, totally inept liar who is money grabbing, nasty piece of work.

kentcouple

Hi Beks, I just want to say well done on following this up and getting your money back. We got married in The Dog Inn a few years ago and were appalled at the treatment we received. It is really good to hear about people sticking up for themselves and not letting him get away with it. Well done. You will be so happy you didn't get married in one of these venues.. you will find somewhere much nicer and more deserving of your money.

beks

kentcouple wrote: »

Hi Beks, I just want to say well done on following this up and getting your money back. We got married in The Dog Inn a few years ago and were appalled at the treatment we received. It is really good to hear about people sticking up for themselves and not letting him get away with it. Well done. You will be so happy you didn't get married in one of these venues.. you will find somewhere much nicer and more deserving of your money.

Thanks for that Kent couple. I certainly know we were not a one off but would love to know how many other disgruntled customers there are out there!!

I was fully expecting to have newbies crop up in support of the Blazing Donkey (et al), but not in support of our situation so am surprised as to how/why you found the threads??!! Be great to hear if you ever venture back to MSE!

kentcouple

Hi Beks

I know! It is horrible to think it has happened to so many people but also nice to know you're not alone!

I check the reviews / google every so often so that's how I found this thread. To be honest I like to see what they are up to and how customers are dealing with their complaints with them. We did what we could at the time. It seems like the bad reviews are getting more and more prolific though! (I can't really understand how they are opening new restaurants!)

I do think they will cross too many people / the wrong person one day and this will all come back on them. For now though I am really pleased about the power of the internet in these situations and that there is an avenue to let others know not to make the same mistake! Especially with weddings (and funerals... there is an awful review for a funeral at the Dog Inn on TA)... it really isn't right that they are profitting from these situations and not delivering.

beks

kentcouple wrote: »

Hi Beks

I know! It is horrible to think it has happened to so many people but also nice to know you're not alone!

I check the reviews / google every so often so that's how I found this thread. To be honest I like to see what they are up to and how customers are dealing with their complaints with them. We did what we could at the time. It seems like the bad reviews are getting more and more prolific though! (I can't really understand how they are opening new restaurants!)

I do think they will cross too many people / the wrong person one day and this will all come back on them. For now though I am really pleased about the power of the internet in these situations and that there is an avenue to let others know not to make the same mistake! Especially with weddings (and funerals... there is an awful review for a funeral at the Dog Inn on TA)... it really isn't right that they are profitting from these situations and not delivering.

The powers of the internet indeed. But generally it is too late before propsective brides (and grooms) find the reviews. Without going to the papers, I feel our hands are tied as to how to warn other people of the treatment here.
Following the review on trip advisor, I have been contacted by another person in the same sitatuation who is also taking the venue to court and through this site, I also know of one other who is going down the same route. I am wondering how many people there are out there who have suffered this fate and not written reviews. Maybe a collective publicity stunt would be good??!!

kentcouple

I agree Beks. We wish we had thought to check the internet / Trip Advisor beforehand. It is scary to think about how many people have had to go through this with them. Things like informing Trading Standards / Citizens Advice / KCC Registry Office and taking them to the Small Claims Court like you did will help too though.

gomeraman

I note that nearly all the multitude of unfavourable reviews of the Blazing Donkey in Ham Sandwich have been removed from Tripadvisor, no doubt because of complaints to them by the worried proprietor. Despite these being made by honest people who had stayed there - and some of the favourable reviews are extremely suspicious as they mostly refer to the same wedding event.

So can we rely on Tripadvisor for a fair review of a hotel or restaurant in future? I doubt it - they appear to be too easily nobbled.

boobyd

Strange that most of the latest reviews are all newcomers to TA , mainly come from Canterbury etc etc etc !

frannyann

boobyd wrote: »

Strange that most of the latest reviews are all newcomers to TA , mainly come from Canterbury etc etc etc !

Yes it is very strange :cool:

The Blazing Donkey in Ham, has had terrible reviews and The Blazing Donkey deserves all the negative comments. And this thread would not have even appeared had The Blazing Donkey in Ham, simply admitted their mistake and repaid Beks, rather than the bully boy treatment she suffered!

marleyboy

Be sure to use this experience to "splash out" on your wedding, making more than up for this shady sand pit.

This thread alone is more than enough to get your message across, it will be less easier for them to have this thread deleted, MSE will only delete false accusations and abusive posts, this thread will act as a reminder for anyone who simply Google the company.

Well done OP, dont let it ruin your wedding.