Wedding reception venue not giving deposit back.. anything I can do?

[Namedchangedfordiet]

Was due to get married on the 27th of November however we had to cancel obviously due to lockdown numero 2.

We’re now getting married on Saturday. Our reception venue was unable to take our booking for this date as they had another wedding booked. I’ve asked for a refund and despite agreeing to it and telling us they were refund us on the 2nd of December, they haven’t and they are now ignoring every email. It’s ‘only’ £200 (I say only as this is much less than some!) however it’s a lot of money to us. Is there anything we can do? I’ve tried contacting my bank but because I paid the invoice via bank transfer there’s nothing they can do

Small claims court if you have evidence of them agreeing to it?

I do have evidence but will I have to pay for small claims court?

Have you tried calling them? Harder to say no on the phone and if you have the call on loud speaker, you could record what they say, so that it would count towards future evidence should you need it.

You can download the small claims court forms, fill them in and send a copy to the venue with a letter saying you'll file the forms with the court in 5 working days if they don't pay up. They'll have to pay the court fees etc when you win if it goes to court.