Cafe publicly shames mum and toddler for leaving ‘mess’ – but not everyone agrees
A CAFE which "publicly shamed" a mum and a toddler for leaving a mess at their table has sparked a furious debate.
Staff at Corby's Tea Rooms in Ramsgate, Kent, vented their frustration on social media, claiming the woman and her 11-month old toddler didn't tidy up or apologise.
Pictures of the table where she had been sitting showed food scattered across the floor next to a high chair.
The post reads: "Whilst we welcome mums and toddlers, what we don't welcome is a mess left like this with no attempt to help tidy or offer of apology and then when challenged to say weakly, 'I left a tip last time'."
But the woman's sister, who saw the post on Facebook, has blasted the cafe's behaviour.
Sharing a screenshot of the original post, she wrote: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour from a so-called business.
"As if young mothers don't have it hard enough without your sad attempt to publicly shame them not only online but in your tearoom.
"Didn't seem to have a problem until after they had paid and tipped you.
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"Personally, I think by the fact you deleted your post you are admitting perhaps getting a dustpan and brush isn't such a hard task.
"But don't worry, even though you told my sister and her 11-month-old baby they were never allowed in your tearoom again, I doubt they'd want to after such a disgusting display of unprofessional behaviour."
Her rant sparked a heated debate, receiving over 600 comments with people weighing in on both sides.
One person said: "Would have taken 30 seconds for the mum to pick that up. Hardly rude of the staff is it."
As if young mothers don't have it hard enough without your sad attempt to publicly shame them not only online but in your tearoom
Sister of mum who was with her toddler
Another pointed out: "That is a mess. Would you leave a friend's place like that? Highly doubt it."
Others came to the mother's defence saying: "That mess genuinely isn't bad for a young child eating? I'm astounded they'd publicly shame like this.
"It must be annoying but it's part of catering for young children".
And one person said: "I worked in a cafe years ago. Always had mess like this but what else do they expect?
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"Next they will be moaning people didn't wash up their plate. Seriously, what a joke."
Paul Crush, the owner of Corby's Tea Room apologised, but said the post "twisted" what had happened and contained "outlandish comments and untruths".
We firmly believe hospitality is there to serve all customers and yes, we understand we have to clean up after them, but a simple recognition would be nice
Paul Crush, Corby's Tea Room owner
Mr Crush said: "The ladies - and let's be clear, I would have posted a similar message regardless of who left such a mess and contrary to what is being said, this was not aimed at just young mums - did not even attempt a simple, 'sorry for the mess'.
"Nor did they, as they claim, tip but were happy to just walk out and leave it.
"We firmly believe hospitality is there to serve all customers and yes, we understand we have to clean up after them, but a simple recognition would be nice.
"Also, for the record, I did not name or shame anyone specifically - my photos did not identify anyone, but were there to demonstrate the mess left by two adults."
He decided to delete the post after people with opposing views started "name calling".
Mr Crush said: "We are an old-fashioned, friendly tearoom - check out all the real reviews on various platforms - and we welcome everyone.
"I would like to emphasise that since taking over Corby's three years ago we have actively introduced more child-friendly menus and facilities, including a baby-changing station."
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The screenshot remains on the site which Mr Crush says violates the Facebook page's rules as businesses shouldn't be named. He has since informed the page's admin.
Mr Crush said: "We are sorry if this has offended or alienated some groups, young parents in particular, but come and visit for yourselves and you will see just how welcoming we are."
