‘It’s Pret a Manger, not Pret a Mongrel’: Actress Bonnie Langford claims she was ‘shouted at’ for bringing her dog into a branch of the coffee chain – but receives a backlash on Twitter
- British actress Bonnie Langford brought her dog into a Bromley Pret A Manger
- In a tweet she claimed she was shouted at to remove the dog from the premises
- Commenters came to the employee’s defence saying dogs should not be in cafés
Bonnie Langford, has come under fire from her Twitter followers for complaining that she was ‘shouted at’ for bringing her Maltipoo into Pret a Manger.
The Dr Who and Eastenders star, 57, was visiting a Bromley branch of the popular café, when she claims she was ‘shouted at’ because of her dog, Poppy.
Taking to Twitter, Bonnie revealed that she had visited the establishment while on a break from her current pantomime show, Sleeping Beauty, in which she’s playing the Lilac Fairy.
She said that she’s been visiting the branch for a fortnight with her dog without any problem, but didn’t specify if the person who confronted her was an employee or another customer.
Commenters were largely on the side of Pret with one person branding dog owners ‘unhygienic’ for bringing pets into cafés, however some followers came to Bonnie’s defence.
Bonnie Langford, has come under fire from her Twitter followers for complaining that she was ‘shouted at’ for bringing her Maltipoo into Pret a Manger (pictured together during an appearance on This Morning earlier this year)
Followers were largely not on the actress’ side as they called dog owners ‘unhygienic’ for bringing their pets into places of food
Taking to Twitter to vent her frustration, Bonnie revealed that she was ‘done’ and implored people to be more kind
Tweeting about the experience, Bonnie wrote: ‘I’ve just been shouted at in #pretamanger Bromley for taking my dog in while I get a take away coffee between shows having done so for the past 5 weeks twice a day everyday.’
‘People say be kind but they’re not. Just rude. I’m done.’
One person wrote: ‘Why are you taking a dog into a coffee shop? It is unhygienic and I hate when people do that! Agree that manners cost nothing and no need for them to raise their voices, and they should have informed you of their ‘no dog’ policy in the first place!’
Another agreed, saying: ‘Dog lovers: do you ever stop to consider how people such as I, who suffer with violent allergic reactions to your pets are affected? I’m often forced out of public places to protect myself from inconsiderate pandering to people with pooches. It’s Pret-a-manger not Pet-a-mongrel!’
Some commenters weren’t happy with the fact that Bonnie had taken her pet in the establishment
A third person simply said: ‘Omg dogs should not be in food areas. What’s wrong with people.’
However, some commenters thought she was well within her right to bring in her dog and chastised the employee she claimed had shouted at her.
One person wrote, ‘I agree with you. I certainly wouldn’t leave my dog tied up outside a shop, vulnerable to theft or anything else for that matter. Dogs are like toddlers, they are family. If I’m on my own & I can’t take my dog inside a shop or cafe then I don’t go in.’
British actor, Colin Baker, weighed in on the matter and claimed he wouldn’t be buying from Pret again, saying: ‘That’s a boycott for Pret a Manger from me! Outrageous!’
Other commenters revealed their support for Bonnie and wondered why there would be a problem in the first place
Another person suggested Bonnie should try the countryside: ‘Come to the Lake District.. just about every cafe/pub is dog friendly.. no shouting here unless your dog is off the lead around livestock.’
Tweeting to a question about their dog policy in 2020, Pret A Manger had previously stated: ‘We don’t have an official policy on dogs, but guide dogs are, of course, always allowed. As a general rule, our Managers can let in small dogs as long as they’re very well-behaved. We hope that helps!’
Speaking to Mail Online, a spokesperson for Pret A Manger said: ‘We have previously received complaints from customers when we have let dogs in our shops, which is why we have this policy.’
‘We are sorry to hear about Ms Langford’s experience. Our normal policy is to only allow guide dogs in our shops, but we’re speaking to our shop team to understand more about the situation.’