A NEW cafe which came under a vile attack by fake reviewers has been strongly defended by customers.

Delamere Forest Cafe was suddenly trolled by a barrage of disgusting comments on social media last night.

Customers immediately hit back to support the cafe, which only opened inside a new £9 million eco-friendly visitor centre four months ago.

Staff say they are overwhelmed by the fantastic response and top reviews that have come flooding in.

Owner and director Raj Regmi said: "It was really amazing to see our loyal customers come to our defence. We have only been open since September.

"We were deliberately targeted for some unknown reason with a barrage of unfair and unkind reviews and comments. Some appeared to be personally targeting a member staff from numerous fake profiles.

"There were pictures of cutlery which doesn't even belong to us. It felt really personal. They were making vile comments. It was really disturbing. We had to block around 10 comments but as soon as we did, another fake account would pop up.

"We would like to apologise to our genuine customers for these disgusting reviews and comments."

Raj has invested £400,000 developing the new business and employs 37 staff, including five chefs.

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Northwich Guardian: Raj employs 37 staff at Delamere Forest CafeRaj employs 37 staff at Delamere Forest Cafe

Raj employs 37 staff at Delamere Forest Cafe

The dad-of-two has managed top London restaurants at Selfridges in Oxford Street and at the Southbank Centre, working in hospitality for 20 years.

He runs a hotel in Bedford and a cafe and restaurant in a country park in Peterborough.

Using his skill, knowledge and expertise, he is determined to put Delamere Forest on the map.

"We have a simple vision," said Raj. "We want to create a good destination venue where people can get quality food and great service in a very clean environment.

"Our ethos is to invest in the area. We source all our food locally and we are asking local growers to bring their fruit and vegetables to our site. Everything is cooked fresh on the premises.

"We employ local people including mums who can work part-time. I have two kids so I try to be accommodating."

Northwich Guardian: Delamere Forest CafeDelamere Forest Cafe

Delamere Forest Cafe has been overwhelmed with support from customers after being attacked by fake trolls

Opening during the pandemic, he said, has been difficult.

"The regulations have been constantly changing since September, it has not been easy for us," said Raj. "But to see the support from all our loyal customers who will do anything for us has been well worth it.

"There is no need for this nastiness in the current situation where everyone is struggling. It is not going to bring me down. If anything, it is going to make me better.

"The amount of followers we have overtakes a few nasty comments from fake accounts.

"We will carry on delivering what we do best.

"We are now looking for a head chef to come and join us. In March and April we hope to go back to normal and we want to be prepared.

"We are going to be here for a very long time."