Sign of the times as Applecross Inn appeals to visitors to respect hard-working staff's day off
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A POPULAR Wester Ross inn is appealing to visitors to note and respect the day it closes to allow hard-working staff time off.
The Applecross Inn said that despite "a huge sign" at the start of the Bealach route that lead to the village, three on its door and regular postings on social media and on its website, it is proving difficult to get across the message that on Tuesdays it is closed to non-hotel residents.
"There have been a number of people recently directing their anger at our hard-working staff because they can’t be served. Please don’t do this, we’re trying our best."
It posted: "We are trying our best to get the message out but still every week hundreds of people are turning up and facing disappointment that we’re unable to serve them.
"We’re sorry, genuinely, but this is the only way we can give our staff their days off and still run with the same level of service the rest of the week. We know you’ve travelled a long way to get to Applecross but we’re only staffed to serve our residents on a Tuesday. We know there might only be just two of you, we know you probably only want a quick drink, but if we serve one we have to serve everybody."
It notes that it is still running table service only "to protect ourselves, to protect our staff, to protect our small community and to protect you".
It said: "There have been a number of people recently directing their anger at our hard-working staff because they can’t be served. Please don’t do this, we’re trying our best. If you see an empty table then that means it’s probably booked – we can’t reiterate enough that we recommend booking as far in advance as you can, particularly if you’re looking for an evening meal.
"We also have a locals' table and two residents' tables in a separate area. Our residents are paying to stay here and we feel it’s only fair to keep a couple of tables clear so they have somewhere to sit outside. Our locals are here year round and again, we don’t feel it’s unreasonable to have a table clear where they can come along and enjoy a drink after work or on their days off – not everybody here is on holiday. Still, that’s only three tables. Three tables out of 42 inside and out that we don’t use for the public.
"The Walled Garden are open on the days we’re closed, so you can still enjoy a lovely meal in Applecross (we recommend booking in advance) and up at the campsite you’ll find the Codfather who runs an excellent takeaway service. For breakfast, the Big Grill Society are serving the NC5 rasher bacon rolls Monday – Friday mornings and take a wee drive further along past us into Camusteel and you’ll find our lovely little local shop which is like Aladdin's cave and has everything you need.
"We’re open again at 3pm every Wednesday so stay kind, keep smiling, book your table and we’ll see you soon!"
The heartfelt post has generated hundreds of likes and overwhelmingly supportive comments.
Iconic Applecross Inn takes to prayer and poetry to get its message across
