Potters Bar restaurant defends ban on customer
Oakmere House Harvester in Potters Bar - Credit: Archant
A Potters Bar restaurant has defended its ban on a disabled man amid claims he used “inappropriate language” towards staff - an allegation the man refutes.
Rafael Herman, 31, says he has been a loyal customer of Harvester on Potters Bar High Street for over 13 and claims to have spent thousands of pounds there.
A couple of weeks back he visited with his 76-year-old father, who he cares for part-time, and while eating his salad he claims to have discovered a “large” eyelash in it.
Rafael said: “It was utterly gross and completely put me off my food.”
He complained to the manager as he refused to pay for his meal and was offered 2.5 per cent off, which he declined.
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Rafael, who has lived in Potters Bar for around 13 years, was banned from entering the restaurant or its beer garden.
He said: “Me and my family have been locals for years and have spent thousands in there.
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“A member of staff was so rude to us.
“We were polite to him as we didn’t want to be barred.”
But a spokesman for the Harvester said: “We have made numerous attempts to resolve the complaint with the guest, however this proved unsuccessful due to the guest’s use of inappropriate language towards the management team.
“As some time has now passed, the barring was recently lifted and the guest was welcomed back to the restaurant.
“However, as he continued to use inappropriate language after returning, the ban was reinstated.
“We take the welfare of our employees very seriously and do not accept any forms of abusive behaviour towards our members of staff.”
Rafael said: “I was not aggressive by any means, I was simply being factual.”
Rafael suffers from a condition called Lipoedema, which is a long-term chronic condition that causes his legs and feet to swell.
He explained that Harvester was the ideal place for himself and his dad to visit as it was the nearest restaurant to them.
