A LAKE District pub has spoken out about the abuse that has ‘left staff members in tears’ from members of the public.

The Royal Oak Inn, located in Bowness-on-Windermere, has seen its members of staff sworn at and verbally abused by people whilst they are working around some remaining Covid restrictions.

Angie Trippett, who has owned the pub for 26 years, says it was like nothing she has seen in her career.

She said: “The rudeness some of the staff are getting is unbelievable, and its getting worser every day.

“A lot of it comes when we can’t get everyone a table, or we have to ask them to wait while we clean and sanitize the tables.

“We have signs everywhere but they keep on ignoring them.

“Sometimes when we ask people to move because we need to get someone else in for food that also causes them to react incredibly rudely.

“We close the kitchen at eight, as we serve from twelve until eight, and when people come in at quarter past eight, they hurl abuse.

“Staff morale is a priority at the moment but some of the abuse is leaving staff members in tears.

“I’ve said it before and will say it again. Jump into our shoes for a short time and see how far you get. Guarantee you won’t go the distance that we go every day.

“I know we’re not alone in this. Other businesses have been through the same.”