Wiltshire chippy praised for response to online review

Owner Philip Robinson was “shocked” the review had gained “that much attention”

Philip Robinson Head and shoulders image of Philip Robinson, a young man, sitting outside a restaurant wearing a dark shirt — Owner Philip Robinson was “shocked” the review had gained “that much attention”

A business owner has been praised for calling out an online reviewer’s inappropriate comment about a female delivery driver.

The review of Robinson’s Traditional Fish & Chips, near Trowbridge, Wiltshire, read: “Really hot food always great from Robinsons also hot delivery girl”.

The shop replied: “Thanks for the kind review of the food, we will make sure a male delivers your food from now on.”

Owner Philip Robinson said: “It can seem harmless, but we have to set boundaries with incidents like this.”

Philip Robinson Front of fish and chip shop with sign that reads "Robinson's Traditional Fish and Chips to take away" and their phone number — Owner Philip Robinson was “shocked” the review had gained “that much attention”

Mr Robinson told BBC Wiltshire he has a partner and a sister and “would want their employers to act the same”.

“I wouldn’t want them to feel uncomfortable,” he added.

The author of the review is being kept private

Just Eat A screenshot of the review on Just Eat, showing Robinson's reply — The author of the review is being kept private

The owner of the family-run business was only informed of the review when the manager of the shop texted him to say that it had been posted on the online delivery platform Just Eat and then reposted on Facebook.

He explained that he felt compelled to respond, saying: “I feel like that should be normal.

“I’m sure it was a harmless compliment but we have to set boundaries, and the staff, they need to come into work feeling safe and know that they’re not going to be subject to any harassment.”

‘I’ll always call it out’

Mr Robinson added: “As a small business owner we need our customers to return and I hope that hasn’t put him off ordering from us again, but… that’s just the person I am, if I see something that is making someone uncomfortable, I’ll always call it out.

“Staff safety is paramount to us.”

Mr Robinson said he was confident the incident would not be repeated, but he said: “If that does happen again, we do have the logs and either myself or the manager of the shop will make sure that is delivered to them without any fuss”.

The online review was left on the food ordering and delivery platform Just Eat

Reuters A person photographed from behind, cycling, wearing an orange and white Just Eat backpack and holding a white cap — The online review was left on the food ordering and delivery platform Just Eat

‘Happens far too often’

Fiona Oliver from Wiltshire Community Foundation, which this year launched a Women and Girls’ fund, said: “We applaud the response from Robinson’s for standing up for their employee.

The joint chief executive said: “Harassment, stereotyping, and discrimination targeted towards women and girls happens far too often and is frequently referred to as harmless banter.

“The impact of such behaviour can really affect victims.

“We must not shy away from talking about these matters and calling out inappropriate behaviour,” added Ms Oliver.

The charity is running a male allyship event on 22 November to raise awareness of gender inequality and discrimination.

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