The landlady of a beloved countryside pub has responded to criticism over its use of AI technology to promote dishes, insisting the team is "not trying to deceive" patrons. In a social media statement, Kristen, who runs the Church House Inn in Sutton, near Macclesfield, said the decision came from being a small, independent establishment without the resources available to larger chains.
Why the Pub Uses AI Images
The pub, nestled at the edge of Tegg's Nose country park and Macclesfield Forest, is a favourite among ramblers, real ale enthusiasts and food lovers. Kristen described her response as a "small rant", clarifying that the team sometimes uses AI-generated imagery because they lack the time and marketing support of bigger businesses.
She wrote: "Firstly, yes, we sometimes use AI images to help promote our menus and special offers. We're not trying to hide that, and we're certainly not trying to deceive anybody."
Running a Small Independent Pub
Kristen explained the realities of running the pub, saying: "We're not a big chain with a marketing department, a social media manager, a professional photographer and a team of people creating content." She described working "incredibly long days, often 16 hours a day, seven days a week", covering everything from serving customers to managing staff and paying bills.
She added: "Sometimes, quite frankly, we just don't have the time. But 9 times out of 10 we do use images of our own food but when AI puts it in to a poster with wording or a message the image changes." She insisted: "We WOULD NOT put out an advert for our food that we could not replicate. We WOULD NOT mislead people that way."
No Apology and a Call to Visit
Kristen said she makes "no apology" for using technology to promote the business, focusing instead on the quality of the food leaving the kitchen. She urged those who have not visited not to judge without trying the food, adding: "An AI-generated picture doesn't cook your dinner. Our chefs do."
She also highlighted the challenges facing small businesses, saying there are enough challenges without "people actively trying to discourage others from visiting them". She added: "We work bloody hard. We care enormously about our pub, our customers and the food we serve."
Ending on a positive note, Kristen thanked loyal customers who continue to support the pub, describing them as "the reason we keep doing what we do".
