Trendy Exeter bar slammed after woman 'glassed' businessman

Police, and the venue, are investigating the bloody incident

A man who was allegedly glassed in the face by a woman during a night out in an Exeter city centre bar has condemned the venue, claiming he was not offered first aid and his alleged attacker was not immediately escorted off the premises.

The customer, a local businessman who lives in Mid Devon and asked not to be named, visited The Botanist in the Queen Street Dining area of the Guildhall Shopping Centre last Saturday, October 12, with friends.

Before midnight, the 28-year-old claims a drunk woman became verbally aggressive to him and threw the contents of a drink in his face. He says he then pushed her back away from him and she then launched a glass at his face. He sustained cuts to his face, including to his nose, eyes and mouth, but did not seek medical treatment.

He recalled: "I don't drink so I was stone cold sober. She chucked a drink in my face and I tried to push her back away from me as she was being aggressive. She then grabbed the bottom of a wine glass and smashed it on my face.

"My face was bleeding but no members of staff provided first aid or checked on me. Instead, my friends had to ask for napkins behind the bar to stop my nose and lip from bleeding.

"A security guard witnessed the incident but sided with her. They allowed her to stay for another 15 to 20 minutes and they only chucked her out when she came back to hurl more abuse at me. If I smashed a glass around a female's face I'm sure I would be in a cell right now.

"I don't think The Botanist should let someone who was excessively drunk and violent get away with that and be allowed to stay on the premises. They have a responsibility to protect their customers.

"It's shocking how I was treated. Their priority should have been my safety and other people in the venue. It's negligence.

"I have reported it to the police and spoke to the manager of The Botanist on Monday who apologised."

The Botanist has confirmed it has launched an investigation following the incident and has assured changes will be made if any 'shortcomings' are found when it concludes.

A spokesperson for The Botanist said: "We are aware of an incident that took place at our Exeter restaurant on Saturday evening and are in contact with the injured customer. The welfare of our customers and teams is our top priority and, as such, we are treating this incident extremely seriously.

"We are thoroughly investigating the incident with both our team, and our security company. We will keep the customer fully informed throughout our investigation and will review processes, procedures and suppliers, should we find any shortcomings on our behalf."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police were called following reports of a woman assaulting a man inside a licenced premises on High Street, Exeter, between 11pm and midnight on Saturday, October 12. It was reported that the woman struck the man with a wine glass following a verbal altercation, causing cuts to the face.

"Enquiries into the matter are ongoing. Anybody who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101 or via our website quoting 50240259525."