Man says he wasn't allowed to make restaurant booking because he wasn't with a woman

21.06.2022 - 11:09 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

A man has slammed a city centre restaurant’s ‘discriminatory’ booking system after it required his party to be all female or a mixed group.

Nick, who did not wish to give his full name, claims he enquired about a 14-person booking at FireFly for a meal in July. The 26-year-old had dined at the One New Bailey restaurant previously and wanted to see if there was any availability for his birthday celebrations.

But to his surprise, he alleges he received an automated booking policy email back – stating groups over six ‘must be all female or a mixed group’. Nick, who was booking a party of just men, has labelled the policy ‘blatant sexism’ and has vowed to never return to the restaurant.

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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: “As a gay man I have lots of gay friends who I go out with for big birthday celebrations. Parties of six having to be just female or mixed is blatant sexism to me.

“I completely understand why they might want to do that, to stop a big group of lads causing trouble. But if you’re going to attract those types of people you need to be able to deal with it – have security on for a reason.

“I actually went for a meal there on Friday with my friends. I’ve been there before and really enjoyed it so I was going to see if there was any availability for my birthday which is next month.

“I just feel like they’re discriminating against half the population. It doesn’t make sense. The annoying thing is, I would have said it was my favourite restaurant. I loved the vibe – I would never go back.”

The Manchester Evening News has contacted FireFly for comment.

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