Café Sparks Debate After 'Publicly Shaming' Mum And Toddler For Leaving A Mess

Corby’s Tea Room in Ramsgate posted a series of pictures on Facebook after the woman, who they did not name, and her 11 month old toddler had left, claiming they did not tidy up or even apologise.

Sandwich crusts and crumbs can be seen beneath the wooden high chair and table.

The caption of the post read: “Whilst we welcome mums and toddlers, what we don’t welcome is a mess left like this with no attempt to help tidy or offer of apology and then when challenged to say weakly, 'I left a tip last time.’”

However, the woman’s sister has since hit back at the café, branding their decision to post about the incident on social media as “absolutely disgusting”.

Sharing a screenshot of the post, she wrote: “Absolutely disgusting behaviour from a so-called business.

"As if young mothers don't have it hard enough without your sad attempt to publicly shame them not only online but in your tearoom.

"Didn't seem to have a problem until after they had paid and tipped you.

"Personally, I think by the fact you deleted your post you are admitting perhaps getting a dustpan and brush isn't such a hard task.

"But don't worry, even though you told my sister and her 11-month-old baby they were never allowed in your tearoom again, I doubt they'd want to after such a disgusting display of unprofessional behaviour."

But the debacle has seen support for both sides, with over 600 people airing their opinion about what would have been acceptable.

“Would have taken 30 seconds for the mum to pick that up. Hardly rude of the staff is it."

Another pointed out: "That is a mess. Would you leave a friend's place like that? Highly doubt it."

Others came to the mother's defence saying: "That mess genuinely isn't bad for a young child eating? I'm astounded they'd publicly shame like this.

"It must be annoying but it's part of catering for young children. Don't get me wrong, some people take the **** and absolutely trash the place.

"But do they expect every single person without a child to fully clean their area before leaving too?

"If so, maybe the post should say all people need to clean up before they leave."

The owner of Corby’s Tea Room, Paul Crush, has since apologised, and deleted the original post from social media.

However, he stands by his reasoning that the mother should have picked up after herself.

“The ladies – and let’s be clear, I would have posted a similar message regardless of who left such a mess and contrary to what is being said, this was not aimed at just young mums – did not even attempt a simple, ‘sorry for the mess,’” Mr. Crush said.

"Nor did they, as they claim, tip but were happy to just walk out and leave it.

"We firmly believe hospitality is there to serve all customers and yes, we understand we have to clean up after them, but a simple recognition would be nice.

"Also, for the record, I did not name or shame anyone specifically ­– my photos did not identify anyone, but were there to demonstrate the mess left by two adults."

He then chose to delete the post after the comments underneath turned hostile.

“We are an old-fashioned, friendly tearoom – check out all the real reviews on various platforms – and we welcome everyone,” he said.

"I would like to emphasise that since taking over Corby’s three years ago we have actively introduced more child-friendly menus and facilities, including a baby-changing station.

“In what continues to be a very challenging time to own and run a small independent business, this unnecessary and unfair distraction doesn't help.

“We are sorry if this has offended or alienated some groups, young parents in particular, but come and visit for yourselves and you will see just how welcoming we are.”