Brits Pay £105 for Christmas Dinner, Restaurant Closes Leaving Them Furious
Hundreds of diners in the West Midlands were left disappointed after the Miller & Carter restaurant in Hockley Heath closed unexpectedly on Christmas Day. The restaurant typically offers a festive meal priced at £105 per guest. On December 25, an electrical fault in the kitchen’s extractor fan system forced the establishment to shut its doors.
Last-Minute Closures Leave Diners Furious
Families had made reservations for a lavish holiday feast, only to be informed about the situation at 1 PM—just one hour before their bookings. Despite attempts by management to resolve the issue quickly, the restaurant could not remedy the malfunction in time to serve its guests.
Feedback from Disappointed Diners
James Munro, who had reserved a table for himself and 12 relatives, expressed his devastation at the unexpected cancellation. “We heard the news only half an hour before our booking,” Munro recounted. His family had traveled from Devon for the occasion and faced a total change of plans.
- Original reservation: 12 PM on Christmas Day
- Number of people affected: 78 booking parties
- Cost per head for Christmas dinner: £105
Locals had eagerly anticipated the renowned Miller & Carter dining experience, designed to provide a stress-free holiday meal. Many visitors now faced the anguish of having no other arrangements for their Christmas dinner.
Restaurant Response and Resolution
In a Facebook post, the restaurant apologized for the inconvenience and offered refunds to all affected diners, along with a complimentary three-course meal and drinks for future visits. A spokesperson stated, “Christmas Day is vital for our guests, and we were heartbroken to close due to the unexpected extractor fan failure.”
Engineers were dispatched early in the morning, but despite their efforts, the problem remained unresolved until a new part arrived later in the afternoon. By that time, it was too late for the establishment to reopen.
This incident left many guests expressing their frustration online, with suggestions that the restaurant might have provided the unused food to diners for preparation at home. Meanwhile, some patrons acknowledged that mishaps can happen during the busy holiday season.
Future Outlook for Miller & Carter
Following the unfortunate event, the restaurant’s team is determined to ensure a smooth operation during the rest of the festive season. They have reaffirmed their commitment to safety and quality service. Diners remaining hopeful for the future can look forward to returning to Miller & Carter for a quality dining experience after this unexpected setback.
