A MIDDLEWICH restaurant owner who went viral last week has defended his stance on online restaurant reviews.

Jason Tanfield, owner of Wheelock Street Mexican restaurant Chimichangos, received unprecedented publicity after national newspapers picked up on his controversial TripAdvisor responses.

But Jason says his outspoken style is justified because it fits in with the ambience of the restaurant itself.

"It’s all a bit of fun, it’s not spiteful or nasty," he said.

"The restaurant is all about having fun and a good meal, so it’s just a case of giving back as good as you get.

"I’m not targeting people, it’s a bit of humour and we can take criticism. If it’s constructive feedback then fair enough, but if not then I give it back."

One notorious review picked up by media across the world gave Jason four stars rather than five because of 'a severe lack of maracas'.

The response, written by Jason under the alias 'pedro p', retorted: 'We're a Mexican restaurant not a Salvation Army musical supper club!'

Despite this kind of humorous back and forth with customers, Jason says the days of online reviews have benefitted the food industry.

"I think TripAdvisor is a good thing as years ago it was word of mouth and pot luck," he said.

"There are good bits and bad bits to online reviews – people get home and two bottles of wine later they go online.

"It’s my business and reputation and food, so obviously I appreciate reviews if they are something genuine. It was things like that maracas review that started it off."

"I think my customers realise that if you look at the reviews then there are hundreds of good ones and a few rubbish ones."

Chimichangos is ranked as the second best Middlewich restaurant by TripAdvisor users, and was recognised as the best Mexican eatery in England in November 2015.

Northwich Guardian:

You can see all the reviews for yourself at the restaurant's TripAdvisor page by clicking here