Outrageous! This Aussie mum was tricked by a pub into paying an extra $4 for her meal
- Replies 8
We’ve all heard stories about sneaky restaurants and pubs tacking on unexpected charges–from last-minute corkage fees to extra charges for condiments and sauce.
But a Father’s Day meal at the Cooroy Hotel in Queensland, west of Noosa Heads, has prompted an Aussie mum to share her experience after being given an additional charge on her bill.
The family had ordered a ‘Black Angus Rump’ steak priced at $30, including salad, chips and a ‘homemade creamy green peppercorn’ sauce–or so they thought.
When the bill came through, the mother was stunned to find an extra charge of $4 for the sauce, despite it being listed for inclusion in the dish on the menu.
'They charged [my] daughter $4 for the peppercorn sauce that comes with the dish. I asked for [my] money back and the manager refused,' the mum wrote online.
When approached by Yahoo News Australia, Cooroy Hotel’s General Manager Tristan Hayes said there had been a misunderstanding and the hotel had reached out to the family to apologise.
It is believed the 'Black Angus Rump' is served in two different areas in the hotel and the serving of sauce is smaller and inclusive of the dish's price only in the hotel bar where the diners were seated.
'Unfortunately on this occasion, the staff member, who usually works within our retail department, was confused about the sauce inclusion on the bar menu,' Mr Hayes told Yahoo News Australia.
'This resulted in miscommunication and the extra charge. We are now reviewing our bistro and bar menu inclusions, so they are uniform throughout the hotel.'
He said the hotel has reached out to the family on social media to issue a refund and voucher, as well as offer an apology for the misunderstanding.
Many people responded online saying it is important to stand up to the venue on principle due to the alleged poor customer service after the diner queried the cost.
It comes as many of us continue to watch our spending as a punishing cost-of-living crisis continues to affect millions across the country.
Hotels have routinely been called out in recent months as prices of staple pub meals, such as steak and chicken parmies, rise to amounts some deem as too expensive.
However, one local noted the menu shared by the Father’s Day diners was different than the one available for viewing online—with the bistro’s online menu clearly stating the sauce as an additional charge.
After being advised by those online, the diner who shared the initial complaint has since written a Google review expressing their dissatisfaction.
To avoid this experience the next time you’re dining out, remember to double-check the menu for any hidden charges. If you spot an unexpected cost on the bill, don’t hesitate to ask the staff about it.
Have you ever had a similar experience to this mum? How do you feel about the additional charge she was forced to pay for the meal? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below!
But a Father’s Day meal at the Cooroy Hotel in Queensland, west of Noosa Heads, has prompted an Aussie mum to share her experience after being given an additional charge on her bill.
The family had ordered a ‘Black Angus Rump’ steak priced at $30, including salad, chips and a ‘homemade creamy green peppercorn’ sauce–or so they thought.
When the bill came through, the mother was stunned to find an extra charge of $4 for the sauce, despite it being listed for inclusion in the dish on the menu.
Hidden charges can be tricky to spot. Credit: Shutterstock
'They charged [my] daughter $4 for the peppercorn sauce that comes with the dish. I asked for [my] money back and the manager refused,' the mum wrote online.
When approached by Yahoo News Australia, Cooroy Hotel’s General Manager Tristan Hayes said there had been a misunderstanding and the hotel had reached out to the family to apologise.
It is believed the 'Black Angus Rump' is served in two different areas in the hotel and the serving of sauce is smaller and inclusive of the dish's price only in the hotel bar where the diners were seated.
The frustrated mother shares her shock on social media with a snapshot of their menu. Credit: Facebook.
'Unfortunately on this occasion, the staff member, who usually works within our retail department, was confused about the sauce inclusion on the bar menu,' Mr Hayes told Yahoo News Australia.
'This resulted in miscommunication and the extra charge. We are now reviewing our bistro and bar menu inclusions, so they are uniform throughout the hotel.'
He said the hotel has reached out to the family on social media to issue a refund and voucher, as well as offer an apology for the misunderstanding.
Many people responded online saying it is important to stand up to the venue on principle due to the alleged poor customer service after the diner queried the cost.
It comes as many of us continue to watch our spending as a punishing cost-of-living crisis continues to affect millions across the country.
Hotels have routinely been called out in recent months as prices of staple pub meals, such as steak and chicken parmies, rise to amounts some deem as too expensive.
However, one local noted the menu shared by the Father’s Day diners was different than the one available for viewing online—with the bistro’s online menu clearly stating the sauce as an additional charge.
After being advised by those online, the diner who shared the initial complaint has since written a Google review expressing their dissatisfaction.
To avoid this experience the next time you’re dining out, remember to double-check the menu for any hidden charges. If you spot an unexpected cost on the bill, don’t hesitate to ask the staff about it.
Have you ever had a similar experience to this mum? How do you feel about the additional charge she was forced to pay for the meal? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below!
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or not charged her and blaming a worker for the mix up how low do you have to go 
