A BLIND woman with a guide dog says she was left "distressed, tearful and anxious" after the way she was treated at a restaurant.

Nicky West, 53, has a guide dog named Lily who supports her with navigation and when arriving at Potters Heron Hotel in Ampfield, Nicky and her partner James were told by an assistant manager they could not eat in the restaurant with a dog and were escorted to the bar instead.

Nicky had booked a table for 6.30pm on August 6 but says she was blamed by staff for not informing them of the dog.

Nicky and James were eventually allowed into the restaurant during their visit, but she says the menus were thrown down in front of her and when James went to discuss the matter with the assistant he was shouted at.

Nicky said: “This left me feeling distressed and very tearful, we had no alternative but to leave.

"Before we did, we went to reception to find the name and contact details for the manager and explained what happened. 

“The receptionist text the other assistant manager, who apparently had more experience, and it was confirmed that assistance dogs are allowed in the restaurant. 

“She offered for us to stay and have a meal. But by that time my legs were shaking so much, I wouldn’t have been able to eat. I was left feeling like a burden and discriminated against.

“I didn’t sleep, and I have anxiety.”

A Guide Dogs spokesperson said: “All blind and partially sighted people deserve to be able to live their lives the way they want and feel confident, independent and supported in the world.

"It is completely unacceptable and illegal for a business or service to refuse entry to a customer with a guide dog, yet, sadly, it happens all too often.

"Our research shows that three-quarters of guide dog owners are illegally turned away, and this discrimination is leaving people with sight loss left out of life.”

Ludo Merleix, manager of The Potters Heron Hotel said: “We have been made aware of an incident in our restaurant on 6th August.

"We will be conducting a full investigation and endeavour to get to the bottom of things and are determined to resolve any issues directly with our customers.

"Bearing in mind the pending investigation, we are unable to comment any further at this time. We can however confirm that assistance dogs have always and will always be welcome to The Potters Heron.”