UPDATE: A family is facing an unexpected holiday crisis after their Christmas Day reservation at The Saracens Head pub in Meir was abruptly canceled just over two weeks before the holiday. The group of nine, who have celebrated at this gastropub for the past five years, is left disappointed and scrambling for alternatives.
The family secured their booking as early as September, a tradition they hoped to continue this year. However, suspicions arose when no deposit was requested—a standard procedure for securing a reservation. To add to their concerns, the pub’s landlord resigned in November, and the venue temporarily closed for renovations before reopening on December 9.
One family member expressed their shock, stating, “We booked a table back in September for a family Christmas dinner. Normally, you have to pay a deposit of just £10 per adult, but this year we weren’t asked for anything.” As the holidays approached, they noticed a social media announcement about the landlord leaving, raising further alarm.
When a family member inquired about their reservation, they were informed that the pub would not be serving Christmas dinners this year. The establishment claimed to have notified all customers, but the family alleges they were overlooked due to a lack of booking reference.
“We feel really let down,” the family member continued. “Had we been informed sooner, we could have found another place. Instead, we’ll be preparing our turkey dinner at home this year.”
The family is now concerned about other diners who may also be unaware of their canceled reservations. “I doubt we’ll ever return. We’ve been deeply disappointed by the lack of communication,” they lamented.
StokeonTrentLive has reached out to the Valiant Pub Company for a formal statement, and while awaiting a response, the pub did address the situation via social media. The message acknowledged the disappointment regarding the Christmas cancellations and noted, “We have tried to contact everyone that we have booking details for. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
As the holiday season approaches, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of timely communication from venues, especially during peak times. Families planning their Christmas celebrations are encouraged to confirm reservations as soon as possible to avoid similar disruptions.
With the Saracens Head undergoing a “mini-transformation,” patrons are curious about what changes lie ahead for the pub in the New Year, but for this family, the immediate impact is a holiday meal at home, far from their cherished tradition.
