Guest User
December 28, 2023
I was a stall holder at the Christmas Market. I had been a stall holder the previous year and was invited back. 2022 was organised by a different team and was a huge success. The price was increased from £25 to £40 this year which I was happy to pay due to last years success. But this time the event was dreadful. Poorly advertised, footfall was extremely low, none of the extras like last year (carol singers, hog roast, etc) and we were placed in a side room rather than outside where diners could easily spot us. There was no welcome on arrival or guidance to a table, where to set up etc. no one introduced themselves and said “I’ll be here if you need anything”. There was an altercation between one stall holder and one member of staff (a manager/supervisor maybe?) and the way the member of staff spoke was dreadful. I was embarrassed for him and his lack of customer service and ability to manage the situation. Made very uncomfortable viewing and made me feel he was very unapproachable. The footfall was so low on the day that after paying my pitch fee and cost of my product I made a loss. I have never attended any event where I made a loss. Many of the stall holders packed up and left early. Whilst talking to them it seems we had been charged a range of prices to attend (£25, £30, £35, £40) which seems highly unfair. My biggest gripe is that I sent an email immediately after the event expressing my disappointment then 2 further emails plus and Instagram message and didn’t receive any response. It was only when I commented publicly on an Instagram post that I got a response to say “we’ll will look into it” but I still haven’t received a response. This basic lack of service has put me off using The Wellington Arms for any meal or function. I may not have been a diner on the day but I was still a paying customer and service is everything. When lack or service is so apparent I’m completely put off. All I required was an acknowledgment/response to my compliant.