A long-running Glastonbury family business says a night of alleged customer abuse and a collision involving its delivery driver left staff shaken — but the community support has been overwhelming.
Knights Fish Restaurant, which has served Glastonbury for more than a century, has spoken out after the series of incidents over the busy bank holiday weekend on Saturday, August 29.
The award-winning fish and chip shop has appealed for kindness after reporting that junior staff members were "subjected to relentless abuse" by customers, and a delivery driver narrowly escaped injury after a collision the same evening.
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In a statement shared online, the business said one team member was "aggressively" sworn at after explaining that it did not take telephone orders.
The restaurant added that later, after a customer challenged the restaurant’s toilet policy, the individual "intimidated our young team [and] shoved his phone in their faces to film them."
While this was happening inside, the business said its delivery driver was involved in a collision on Oriel Road in Street.
The restaurant alleged a car failed to give way, collided with the delivery driver’s car and left the scene. No one was injured, and it is understood that the incident has not been reported to the police.
George Morey, manager of Knights Fish Restaurant, told the Somerset County Gazette the business had a strong responsibility to protect young workers.
He said: “We feel very strongly about our staff and their well-being. Working intense, fast-paced shifts during our peak season can seriously take its toll.
“While young people make up a significant portion of fish and chip shop teams across the country, they unfortunately often face confrontational and intimidating behaviour. Is it because they are young? Possibly.
"But we believe that having a vibrant, passionate young team is paramount to our success.”
Mr Morey said early experiences of work should be positive and safe, adding that the restaurant "do our utmost to protect them" from abuse.
The restaurant added they are especially thankful that the delivery driver had escaped serious injury.
Mr Morey said: “What could have been a fatal side-impact collision was, thankfully, only a glancing blow from a car travelling in excess of 60mph through a narrow, blind junction.
"Our driver is completely fine and is already back out getting food to your doorsteps. He would like to extend his deep gratitude for all the kind words and support he has received."
The restaurant manager also raised wider concerns about the challenging economic environment that many hospitality businesses are facing, including rising costs, "razor-thin margins and long hours" that can affect the mental health of business owners and employees.
Despite these challenges, Mr Morey said: “The sheer amount of support and kind words from customers past and present has been incredibly touching.
"It is exactly what a family-operated business wants to hear: that we matter to our community.”
In an appeal to customers and the wider community, he added: “The next time you order a delivery, grab a takeaway, or dine in a restaurant, please consider leaving a tip or a positive review if the service deserves it.
"People often don't realise how much those small gestures motivate us to keep doing what we do.
"And most importantly - please be kind.”
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