'Pub refused to serve me... I felt humiliated'

A MUM said she was left upset and embarrassed after claiming she was refused service at a city centre pub because of the way she looked.

- By MEGAN BANNER

Gillian Matthews, 55, said she and her partner, Mark Evans, 60, visited Coopers Town House on Cases Street on Thursday, October 23, and were attempting to order their third pint when she was allegedly refused at the bar.

According to Gill and Mark, staff declined to serve her because her eyes appeared “glazed” - something Mark believes is linked to her “invisible disability”. Gill was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018. She said her symptoms can sometimes affect her facial expression, speech and movement.

Mark said: “We were only on our third pint; we were perfectly fine. When Gill was refused the round of drinks at the bar, she came back to the table really upset.

“She has a badge that she takes everywhere with her that says she has Parkinson’s. I told her to give me the badge, and I went back up to the bar to tell the staff. The barmaid refused to acknowledge it.”