You may have seen coverage of the ‘news’ that Food Review Club charges businesses up to £1,500 to come and pretend to like their food. It’s been interesting to witness and I feel a bit sorry for him, because the idea he is out on his own deceiving the public is a little far fetched. It’s everywhere! 

Everyone knows influencers are often full of shit, people who proclaim to adore independent restaurants and businesses but only if they’re given something for free and/or are paid.

For example, there are, at most, a handful of decent places to eat in Exeter, Stage obviously being one of the best. I recently saw a stream of ‘foodies’ responding to an Instagram post about it with, “really need to try this place!” It’s been open for years, it’s reasonably priced, the only reason you haven’t been is because they have no need to dish out freebies.

I’ve had a handful of SponAdGifteds over the years, only a couple of times did I agree to then post about it at all – the idea that had no sway over whether I said it was any good or not is laughable.

However, it’s also worth noting that the idea this practice is exclusive to the ring-lighted ‘influencer’ is also simply not fair. Recently, I spotted a well-known broadsheet critic reviewing a restaurant with three of his buddies, did he mention that one of them has a financial stake in the establishment? Did he bollocks. 

Back to Review Club, it’s been interesting to see people in the comments on Instagram and TikTok regarding this, “there’s nothing wrong with advertising,” indeed, he isn’t advertising though is he? He isn’t called Food Advert Club.

I think the real lesson here is yet again a need for people to switch on some sort of critical thinking when viewing online content – and to remember that I’m available to review your filthy, dirty, mucky fries for £20 and a handjob.