A family of nine from Stoke-on-Trent faces a homemade Christmas dinner this year after their long-standing festive booking at a local gastropub was abruptly cancelled.
Five-Year Tradition Shattered
The group had secured a table at The Saracens Head on Sandon Road in Meir back in September, continuing a tradition they had enjoyed for the past five years. They chose the venue for its excellent food and atmosphere, which took the stress out of the festive day for everyone.
However, concerns began to grow when the pub did not request the customary £10 per adult deposit to secure the booking. Their worries intensified when they learned the previous landlord had left in November and the establishment temporarily closed for renovations before reopening under new management on December 9.
Discovery of the Cancellation
After hearing nothing from the pub, a family member visited in person to enquire about their Christmas Day arrangements. They were then informed that The Saracens Head would not be serving Christmas dinners this year.
"Apparently they'd told everyone, but they said we mustn't have been told because they didn't have a reference for our booking," one disappointed relative told StokeonTrentLive.
The family expressed feeling "really let down" by the lack of communication, which left them with just over a fortnight's notice before Christmas Day. By then, it was too late to secure an alternative venue for their party of nine.
Aftermath and Pub Response
The frustrated customer highlighted the core issue: "The biggest disappointment is that they didn't tell us earlier." They also raised concerns that other families might be unaware their bookings are void, potentially facing rejection if they turn up on Christmas Day.
The family stated they are unlikely to return to the pub, citing "really poor customer service." They remain unsure whether responsibility lies with the former landlord or the brewery, Valiant Pub Company.
While StokeonTrentLive awaits a statement from Valiant, the pub posted an update on social media. The announcement expressed regret for the "Christmas Day letdown" and claimed they had tried to contact everyone for whom they held booking details.
The post also explained that the kitchen is "currently under a mini-transformation" and closed until a relaunch, with a new menu promised for the New Year. The management apologised for any inconvenience caused.
