Roux’s Michelin-starred Waterside Inn wins court case

Michel Roux’s three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn has won a court case brought by a guest who alleged breach of contract over issues with air conditioning and central heating in his room.

Seeking a £550 refund and £200 damages, Kevin Andrews claimed the accommodation provided in one of the luxury suites at the Bray restaurant with rooms was “not of satisfactory quality”.

Specifically, he alleged problems with the air conditioning and central heating including “a hammering noise like a passing boat chugging outside the cottage” that left him “tired and cheated of sleep”.

But Roux successfully defended the claim on the basis that the accommodation was of a more than satisfactory quality and that Andrews had it within his own grasp to deal with the use of the air conditioning and central heating.

The judge found that the claimant had received “an excess of good service” from Roux and his team and that the management / control of the air conditioning and central heating was not “rocket science”.

Speaking to Caterersearch after the result was announced, Diego Masciaga, director and general manager at the Waterside Inn, said hospitality operators were particularly vulnerable to this sort of claim at the moment.

“Too many people are trying it on – it’s a culture of complaining and suing,” he said. “Enough is enough. Operators should fight back – as long as you know the product you’re delivering is right.”

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By Daniel Thomas

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