Worksop: Man banned from Liquorice Gardens after making complaint about spare ribs

Ian Randall, 46, received a letter from JD Wetherspoon stating that he is barred from Liquorice Gardens on Newcastle Street after making the complaint.

The local businessman, who was a regular at the premises, said the number of ribs he was given was not adequate for a ‘half rack’ serving.

“A pig has between 13 and 15 ribs depending on the breed,” he said.

“As a matter of course UK pigs have 14 ribs unless they are a rare breed.”

“There was only five ribs on my plate.”

“If someone paid for a pint of bitter, you would not serve them half a bitter would you?”

“If someone paid for a 20oz steak, that is what you would give them.”

The Guardian contacted a butchers in Shireoaks and he confirmed that most pigs have 14 ribs.

“I have been to other places before and received more than five ribs for a half rack,” Adrian Hunt said.

Mr Randall, of Ranby, said that he had made a previous complaint about the ‘poor service’ he received on a visit. The pub giant acknowledged his complaint with a letter and thanked him for his correspondence.

This week a spokesperson at JD Wetherspoon confirmed his ban by email on Monday 17th November and by sending another letter to his home address.

It said: “We note your comments regarding your visit to the Liquorice Gardens. However the manager has advised that they do not wish you to return to the pub.”

“Whilst we appreciate that you are not happy with the decision or satisfied with the way the matter was handled we will not be overturning this decision.”

“The barring is in place for an indefinite period and we therefore ask that you respect this decision and do not return to the premises.”

“The manager is responsible for the pub and its licence and it is not a requirement of that license that a reason for barring you from the premises is provided.”

“We consider this matter closed and will not be entering into any further communication regarding this issue.”

The Guardian contacted Liquorice Gardens but they did not wish to comment.

This newspaper also tried to contact JD Wetherspoon for further explanation but no one was available.