Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Birthday dinner ruined - restaurant refused eat free offer!

674 replies

Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:12

NC’d for this.

Birthday meal out at a local restaurant - they do an offer where the birthday person eats free as long as 1. It’s their actual birthday date and ID is provided to confirm and 2. There’s a minimum party size of 5.

It’s an all you can eat concept where food is brought to the table rather than you go and get it, a great deal as the food is lovely and the offer saves £30.

When we asked for the bill, we mentioned it was my birthday and I said I’d get my ID out of my bag. Someone came over (not the person we asked for the bill) and explained we were not eligible for the offer as only 4 of us had the all you can eat. My 2 year old DD was with us and obviously had a small meal (which we were to pay for).

My DH asked to speak to the manager - the person who came over said that he is the manager and refused to budge. We reluctantly paid.

We’ve checked the offer wording and it’s clearly stated it’s based on 5 dining (doesn’t specify it has to be the all you can eat) which we fulfilled.

It really soured the evening and we will not be returning which is a real shame as it’s a lovely restaurant, but they have been so underhand with this.

OP posts:
gelnddia · 09/10/2025 22:14

An offer not being applicable shouldn't sour your day really....

DorothyStorm · 09/10/2025 22:14

Offers are normally adult prices as children are already on a reduced cost.

Nothankyov · 09/10/2025 22:15

I’m sorry you had this experience. But I what I would say is that in my experience these offers are generally offered based on adults eating. I wouldn’t have assumed my child would count as the 5th person, personally. I hope that overall you had a good birthday!

Tiswa · 09/10/2025 22:15

Adult prices really does make sense though would not think an under 3 would count sorry

Figcherry · 09/10/2025 22:16

Technically the restaurant is wrong but I would never count a 2 year old as a diner for the purpose of getting a reduction.
I think just chk before ordering in future.

Jeschara · 09/10/2025 22:16

I would not be upset about this. Don't let it ruin your day.

TheatricalLife · 09/10/2025 22:17

Don't let £30 ruin your evening! I assume you all had a good time prior to the bill being presented?

justabigdisco · 09/10/2025 22:17

I think it’s reasonable that the 5 people doesn’t include a toddler. It would normally be full price paying adults. Did you check the small print?

Also, birthday ruined? A bit of an overreaction IMO

Arlanymor · 09/10/2025 22:17

Happy birthday! But I think this is why it's good to call ahead and check.

Makeitstop2025 · 09/10/2025 22:19

It is disappointing, but you ought to have told them when you got there that you were looking to take advantage of the birthday offer and at that point they could have advised you of any small print

Original poster
Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:19

Tiswa · 09/10/2025 22:15

Adult prices really does make sense though would not think an under 3 would count sorry

Why not state that then - it states based on 5 dining. No other stipulation.

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 09/10/2025 22:20

I'm sorry you were disappointed, but I would have assumed it meant 5 adult diners.

Namechangeforthis88 · 09/10/2025 22:21

Common sense could have prevailed though. Counting a toddler as one of your 5 is a stretch. Predictable and avoidable. Why not just take a moment to check on booking or arrival at restaurant?

JudgeBread · 09/10/2025 22:21

I'm sure the restaurant will be devastated to lose your custom

arethereanyleftatall · 09/10/2025 22:21

I’m sorry op, but this would go down for me as so obvious that they don’t need to actually explain that a 2yr old doesn’t count. They have worked out they can give £30 off if they get £120 for the table. So 25%. You wanted £30 off and to pay just over £90. I wouldn’t have thought many businesses could work to that margin.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/10/2025 22:22

I think it's pretty obvious it would mean 5 adults

Princesspollyyy · 09/10/2025 22:22

Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:19

Why not state that then - it states based on 5 dining. No other stipulation.

Show quote history

Sorry I really do think it’s common sense that it’s based on 5 adults dining.

Lovelamps · 09/10/2025 22:23

But how much is a kids meal? Your logic would mean someone could take a bunch of kids on their birthday and dine the adult buffet like a king whilst paying very little.
I think you need to put this one down to experience and forget about it.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 09/10/2025 22:23

YABU - most people would assume toddlers don’t count or would have called and checked.

And over dramatic to say your day has been ruined.

Original poster
Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:23

JudgeBread · 09/10/2025 22:21

I'm sure the restaurant will be devastated to lose your custom

Given the challenges faced by that industry, and that we go multiple times a year - I doubt they’d be jumping for joy, no.

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 09/10/2025 22:23

Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:19

Why not state that then - it states based on 5 dining. No other stipulation.

Show quote history

Sorry op, but asking them to state that when it’s so obvious is a bit like saying ‘but there wasn’t any signs that I shouldn’t stab the waitress’ . I don’t think they did anything wrong, sorry.

TwinklyStork · 09/10/2025 22:23

Good lord, what a cheapskate and how embarrassing to have made a fuss.

Original poster
Heatherstory · 09/10/2025 22:24

Lovelamps · 09/10/2025 22:23

But how much is a kids meal? Your logic would mean someone could take a bunch of kids on their birthday and dine the adult buffet like a king whilst paying very little.
I think you need to put this one down to experience and forget about it.

We paid £5 for it.

OP posts:
NewHat · 09/10/2025 22:24

arethereanyleftatall · 09/10/2025 22:21

I’m sorry op, but this would go down for me as so obvious that they don’t need to actually explain that a 2yr old doesn’t count. They have worked out they can give £30 off if they get £120 for the table. So 25%. You wanted £30 off and to pay just over £90. I wouldn’t have thought many businesses could work to that margin.

Exactly. They have to make enough money from the table to cover the food, wages, utilities etc.

jumpingjaque · 09/10/2025 22:24

Haven’t read the comments but I assume from the post that it’s 4 paying adults and the birthday person goes free?