UK hen do refund advice

WelshGal_3

Hello, I’m looking for some advice having hit a bit of a wall on a refund issue. My friends hen do was due to be this weekend, which was a two night getaway to accommodation in the UK. It has of course been cancelled by the venue, but they are refusing a refund and refusing to look at any tentative rescheduling until the lockdown is lifted. The wedding is due to be in July, tentatively at the moment obviously, meaning any reschedule ahead of this is quite unlikely and tying us to effectively having a credit with them pending with a huge amount of uncertainty and quite possibly made obsolete as it is specifically a hen do get away which we may not be able to rebook until post wedding. It is also for 20+ people which makes a suitable future use very difficult, and means trying to fit in a different event prior to the wedding (should any easing of restrictions allow) would be at an extra cost to everyone. Despite all efforts from those who booked, and following the recent guidance from the CMA, the venue are refusing to do anything further. I understand it was naively paid by bank transfer so we’re unable to claim back through a credit card. Could anyone advise on our rights here? It’s not protected like a package holiday, but we understand it as we have a right to the refund following the CMA guidance that they are unable to provide the service we have paid for?

Thank you! Sian

Aylesbury_Duck

Letter before action and small claims court.  Be warned that it will take many months.

Life__Goes__On

You have a right to be fully refunded in  cash you paid.
As AD said it has to be though (or the threat) of court action.