The owner of a city restaurant has revealed her frustration after being let down by 10 table bookings in one night.

Hannah Springham and her chef husband Andrew Jones have owned and run Farmyard in St Benedicts Street since 2017, which has been included in the Michelin Guide.

Last Friday night, the team was left stunned when 10 tables of diners - one of which was a booking for NINE people - either cancelled at the very last minute or did not show up for dinner.

Norwich Evening News: Andrew Jones and Hannah Springham have owned Farmyard since 2017Andrew Jones and Hannah Springham have owned Farmyard since 2017 (Image: Unites Us, via Hannah Springham)

"This was a hugely significant number of diners for us, and about a third of our tables for the evening," said Hannah.

"This is not something we experienced to this degree before 2020 and, with all else we have to face in a difficult economic climate, this one feels particularly painful because it then becomes impossible to plan correctly for staffing and food ordering."

Middletons, in Timberhill, spoke out in 2021 about the impact that 'no shows' were having on the business, with the issue not improving for city businesses.

Hannah had to send staff home for the evening, a choice she said was "particularly difficult".

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She continued: "We are trying desperately to support our staff.

"The hospitality industry is getting hit from all angles with food and electricity bills increasing, and the cost of living crisis stopping people from dining out as much.

"We appreciate that customers are being more careful about how they spend their money, and we have changed prices and introduced a set menu to help our diners out. 

Norwich Evening News: Farmyard features in the Michelin GuideFarmyard features in the Michelin Guide (Image: Newsquest)

"You can't do anything about the rising costs but, as a customer, you can communicate with us and let us know if you aren't going to be coming."

Hannah is resistant to the idea of taking a booking deposit, which she said would be a "difficult" decision for the restaurant to have to make.

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The restaurant also has a Farmyard Frozen range, with meals available to order across the UK.

"It is going from strength to strength," said Hannah.

"If you can't make a booking anymore, maybe you could consider having one of our 'fine dine-in' meals at home instead."