Yahoo News Gin festival that cost £40 a head serves punters 'less than a single measure'
A gin festival that cost £40 a head has left customers feeling sold short.
People eager to join in Britain's new thirst for gin complained that they were "herded like cattle" in hot temperatures after spending tickets for what was supposed to be a "luxury" experience.
The evening out, organised by Railroad Events and advertised as "The Gin Train", left many with angry because they felt they had been sold short.
Customer Deborah Amiss, a 54-year-old HR consultant, from Taverham, said she had been looking forward to sampling the gins on offer while travelling on the train from Dereham to Wymondham and back, a round trip of 45 miles.
Customers bought tickets expecting to experience the various gins made in Norfolk, however, Mrs Amiss said: "It was a complete shambles. Staff had no idea what was going on. We were herded like cattle into a boiling hot marquee for over half an hour.
"The measures of gin were laughable. For £40 each we had less than a single measure of gin in total.
"We were very disappointed with the whole event which was simply money-making exercise with no expertise, quality or quantity."
We were trapped and boiling with no member of staff. They need to learn the meaning of VIP
Chris Bone
Chris Bone and his partner, Elaine Round, from Swaffham, hoped for a romantic evening but were also left frustrated.
Mr Bone, a retired caterer, said: "The coach was absolutely boiling and we couldn't open the windows.
"The train started off and they gave us the gin samples but it was just neat gin. They didn't provide mixers so we had to buy a £10 card to get them.
"We had already paid a premium for VIP but we were trapped and boiling with no member of staff. They need to learn the meaning of VIP."
The last gin sample was not served until the train had returned to Dereham, meaning many customers were unable to drink it.
Mr Bone added "I thought, hang on, we spent £100 here - it was unbelievable, appalling and terrible."
A spokesman for Railroad Events said: "There are many customers who had a fantastic day at The Gin Train Experience and there will be plenty more.
"Mid-Norfolk Railway, who we've hired the railway from, are a heritage railway charity and are aware of the feedback regarding their trains.
"As an extra we added a bar service. This was more popular than we had anticipated. For future Gin Trains we have added extra staff to keep up with additional demand."
