Eats

Ancoats restaurant publicly exposes ‘angry influencer’ after spat over free meal

'Another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st March 2024

A restaurant in Ancoats has publicly exposed an influencer (twice…) who tried to ask for a free meal in exchange for exposure.

Lucky Ramen, a tiny spot on Blossom Street that has had queues forming for its noodle soups and Asian brunches, has become embroiled in a spat with an unnamed social media star.

It all started yesterday when the restaurant went public with a message it had received, which was requesting a complimentary brunch in exchange for a post on Instagram.

Lucky Ramen shared the message and wrote that they were ‘thrilled you appreciate our food’ but that the team ‘appreciate paying customers even more’.

They described it as ‘another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post’.

ADVERTISEMENT

Which was already dramatic enough, but the influencer in question has been quite cross that Lucky Ramen in Ancoats has taken a swipe at them publicly.

It appears they’ve followed up with a much less polite message, saying the independent business is ‘bang out of order’ for trying to expose them.

ADVERTISEMENT

The influencer asked: “So you think people like us don’t deserve to eat for FREE???”

They argued that they were trying to promote the restaurant for free, offering ‘time, labour, effort and positive energy’ in exchange for the free meal as compensation.

The unnamed user then said: “Your arrogance makes me sick. Haha very funny, you got a couple of giggles but we’re the ones that are laughing.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We go where we want, eat what we want and lastly – it’s all for free! WHOS LAUGHING NOW???”

Of course, Lucky Ramen hasn’t left that message in the DMs either, once again sharing screenshots on its Instagram page.

And they’ve chosen to smack the influencer with pure sarcasm in retaliation…

They wrote: “Dear angry influencer. Okay, aaalright… you got us! We’re truly sorry for attempting to uncover your behind-the-scenes tactics yesterday and, you know, us trying to make a living and sh*t.

“But hold on, the new message we just got deserves more than a standing ovation!

ADVERTISEMENT

“This follow-up DM is a total game-changer, and guess what? We’re now rolling out the red carpet for all the free meals you desire. And that’s not all – our chefs are ready to part ways with their Crocs and Birkenstocks, throwing them in as an extra bonus for your tender love and labour! Even my dad’s medal of honour from the Japan war is up for grabs – he’s feeling generous the old geezer, and he’s even contemplating wheeling in his new eco-friendly hybrid wheelchair for you!

“Just hit us up with another DM, let us know when you’re swinging by to collect your well-deserved goodies, and don’t forget to leave a glowing 5-star review on both Google and TripAdvisor.

“We appreciate your understanding and, once again, sorry for the “inconvenience” we caused.

“Bon appétit + Arigato-the-f*ck-outta-here.”

Ouch…

ADVERTISEMENT

Will the influencer reply again? Someone pass the popcorn.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group