Gay couple leave restaurant after owner ‘intimidated’ them for kissing during Valentine’s Day dinner
(Photo: RawPixel)
A gay couple was left shocked after being ‘intimidated’ into leaving a restaurant due to a complaint from a fellow customer about them kissing.
Sam Anderson and Angus Reilly visited The Mumbai Inn in Leicester for an early Valentine’s Day meal on February 12.
After exchanging gifts Sam kissed Angus across the table at the popular Indian cuisine restaurant.
Two members of staff reportedly approached the couple quickly after the kiss, asking whether they were ready to order their food.
According to the couple, the staff did not leave when the couple asked for a few more moments to decide their orders.
Sam and Angus (Photo: @Angus_Reilly /Twitter)
Andaz Rana, the owner of the Mumbai Inn, then reportedly ‘stood over’ the couple and told them that the restaurant was a family-friendly place.
Mr Rana later said that another customer in the restaurant ‘had not been comfortable’ with the pair.
Related: Gay guys rejected from panto after performers asked a ‘married couple’ to come up
Sam and Angus then left the restaurant, reportedly holding the menus due to the shock of suddenly having to leave.
In a series of tweets after the incident, Sam Anderson said that the pair were upset by the actions of the owner, saying that ‘they did not feel wanted.’
Sam said: “I was so shocked. Then we got up and left straight away.
“One of the waitresses came out and apologised for her manager’s behaviour, which she described as homophobic. She gave us both hugs.”
(Photo: Sam Anderson)
He continued: “What so upset us was the intimidating way he went about it and the fact he referenced it was a family-friendly restaurant, as if being a gay couple is something that not is family friendly.
“We did not feel comfortable in that restaurant, we did not feel wanted.”
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Rana apologised for the incident and said that he treats all customers equally.
Mr Rana stated he was responding to a complaint by another customer who was uncomfortable sitting near the couple with her child.
(Photo: Google Maps)
He said: “On behalf of my entire team, I will say sorry.”
Several people have left negative reviews of the restaurant on review site Trip Advisor, referencing the alleged homophobia of the owner.
One review said that the staff had a ‘disgusting attitude’ and warned other customers away.
(Photo: TripAdvisor)
Another reviewer suggested that potential customers should buy a supermarket curry rather than visiting the Mumbai Inn.
(Photo: TripAdvisor)
PinkNews has contacted Sam Anderson, Angus Reilly and the Mumbai Inn for comment.
