A popular pub in Cornwall has sparked debate after charging customers extra for leaving excessive amounts of food on their plates at its Sunday carvery. The Star Inn at Vogue near Redruth defended its £2.40 additional charge per person by highlighting its policy of clearing plates before going back for more food in the eat-as-much-as-you-can deal priced at £12. The rule was prominently displayed at the carvery station, but some diners were surprised and claimed they had never encountered such a charge before.
Mark Graham, the pub’s owner, explained that it was the first time they had to implement the charge due to significant waste left by two customers. The pub shared pictures of the uneaten food, emphasising that it could have fed additional diners. Graham stressed that the small charge aimed to cover raw ingredient costs and discourage excessive waste, rather than profit from customers. He encouraged patrons to enjoy the meal but to avoid unnecessary waste to ensure there was enough food for everyone.
The incident caught the attention of Verity Farmer, a customer who received the extra charge and shared her experience on social media, sparking online debate with almost 400 responses within a day. While opinions were divided, many supported the pub’s policy as a reasonable deterrent against over-serving. Commenters praised the pub for its stance on preventing food wastage and commended the approach as fair and justified.
Landlord Mark Graham, who had dealt with other challenges before, including a dispute with fashion brand Vogue over the use of the pub’s name, reiterated that the charge was not about making a profit but about ensuring food sustainability. The pub’s transparency in addressing the issue and its commitment to serving customers resonated positively with many observers, prompting an appreciation for the business’s responsible practices amidst growing concerns over food wastage in the hospitality industry.