Local leaves scathing review for new pub which hasn't even opened yet

A London pub has been given a scathing one-star review on Google despite not having even opened yet – because of its “very limited” plant-based options.

The angered local was quick to blast Stanleys of Streatham in south London after reading a menu the owners had left outside the building ahead of the its grand opening. It sparked enough fury for them to take to Google reviews demanding the pub add a vegan burger to its menu.

The local wrote: “The place hasn't open[ed] yet but I am giving the low score because of the very limited plant-based options. The menu is outside the pub currently. Still on time to add a vegan burger or something. If they do, I will revise the review.

A further breakdown of the anonymous one-star review showed the user also rated Stanleys of Streatham a 1/5 for its food, 3/5 for its service and 3/5 for its atmosphere – despite it not having opened yet.

But after noticing the review, the bar hit back in style, sharing a screenshot of their response alongside a caption reading: “We did ask Steve not to reply, but he had done.”

Replying to the one-star score, Steve said: “My first ever pub was in Butlers Wharf about 25 years ago, some loved it, some liked it, some were ambivalent l imagine, and I dare say some thought it was s**t...actually relative to my hospitality businesses today it probably was.

“25 years later it is one of the busiest pubs per square ft in the postcode and is truly part of the fabric of that area/society that is now extremely vibrant and buzzing. The pub was previously a drug den.

"In those days no one gave a yellow rubbery f**k about what b****nds like you said or did ever. Unfortunately the "inter-web" has now created a platform where, certainly in the embryonic stages of a business, especially a hospitality one, poor reviews can be seriously damaging.

“I can only assume you live in Streatham and want a vibrant buzzing economy there. Please take a long hard look, at your behaviour, you're currently not welcome at Stanley's to even try a f*****g carrot you d******d”

The message was posted to the pub's official Instagram page, which shows photos of the business preparing for its grand opening.

In the wake of the drama, Stanleys of Streatham was met with a huge outpouring of support from locals rushing to defend the business. One person blasting the vegan reviewer jokingly wrote: “The place hasn't opened yet but I am giving the high score because of the very limited plant-based options.

“The menu is outside the pub currently and looks fantastic. Still on time so don't add a vegan burger or something. If they do, I will revise the review. People who give new pubs 1 star reviews before they even try them are usually the kind that lets their kids run around screaming.”

Another joked: “Looked at the menu outside and was very impressed with the large amount of meat options. Only a small few delicious looking veggie options. Fantastic. Can’t wait.”

One person added: “How on earth can someone warrant giving a 1 star review for a venue that hasn’t even opened yet?! Bloody vegans… I wish Stanley's all the best” while another agreed, saying: “Can't understand why anyone would give a low review to a pub they've not been to yet. Anyone who wants to start a business and employ people in the local area should be welcomed with open arms.”