‘Chequebook' guides disappoint caterers

After eight years trading, my wife and myself felt that it was time our achievements were recognised by a wider market. As part of our "awareness" campaign we decided to approach Les Routiers for a possible inclusion in its 2000/01 guide.

After paying a £75 application fee we were visited by an "inspector" who immediately launched into his sales speech, casually mentioning the annual £375 "membership" fee.

He showed little interest in viewing the premises and only sampled a sandwich for lunch.

When I expressed my dismay he informed me that he was under no obligation to sample the food at all, relying upon his "considerable experience" and "the warmth of welcome" to assess the quality of the establishment.

Needless to say we feel conned and, although we decided not to accept the offer of membership, allowing Les Routiers the opportunity to send in their "sales rep" has cost us £75.

We naively believed that Les Routiers was a quality organisation with standards based upon rigorous independent monitoring and not merely a "chequebook" entry.

If this is how our industry is advertised to the public, how can the consumer accurately assess the true quality of any establishment?

David North, the Red Lion Country Inn, Hampshire.