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In a rare move, the chef-owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ireland has publicly called out a blogger for requesting a free meal in exchange for “online exposure," saying he’s “had enough” of such requests.
Fed-up Garrett Byrne, of Campagne restaurant in Kilkenny, which has held a Michelin star since 2014, decided to share the email from an anonymous blogger, requesting a “vegan meal for two” that would include “several dishes on the menu” in a exchange for a write-up and social media coverage, on the restaurant’s Twitter page.
“I don't normally tweet about them, but this one just struck a chord,” Byrne told The Telegraph. “We get about 10 per year on average … I don't think they are exploitative for the most part, it’s just I don’t think restaurants should entertain them.”
The email promises “Significant online exposure on both our blogs and social media accounts; Inclusion in our 'Vegan Guide to Ireland and/or N Ireland' posts,” plus “Live tweeting, Facebook, Instagram, as we visit your restaurant.”
Byrne has described the reaction to his tweet, which has been liked over 2000 times at time of writing and been covered by global media, as “crazy,” with many tweeters offering support for him and ridicule of the offending blogger, though some have accused Byrne and the restaurant of underhandedly gaining exposure through it or being behind the times marketing-wise, and criticised him for publicly shaming, though he doesn't name names.
Read the original tweet and some of the responses below. What do you think, was this chef right to call out this blogger? Let us know over on our Facebook page.
The start of another week in paradise..? pic.twitter.com/zLP3bhBORV
— campagne restaurant (@campagnekilkenn) September 19, 2017
In exchange for cash my wife and I would like to eat a meal, and tell absolutely nobody on social media. #OldSchool #Notions
— Stevie Cahill (@StevieCahill) September 19, 2017
I am mortified by this as a blogger!
— Amy Catherine (@redlips_redhair) September 21, 2017
What's stopping them paying for the meal AND providing exposure on social channels, as so many others do...? ? #spoofers
— Mike White (@miguelblanco85) September 20, 2017
My opinion of your restaurant is to expect rude service as a result of this
— Emma lavelle (@fieldandnest) September 22, 2017
Your reaction just shows how behind you are in digital marketing and influencer marketing
— Mollie Clarke ? (@mollieblog) September 22, 2017
I don't see anything wrong with this. My blog is my business and I wouldn't make money if I didn't pitch to brands!
— Kirstyleanne ?✈️ (@kirstyleannee92) September 22, 2017
