Mum fuming after Mother’s Day competition run by Northampton restaurant saw her son named as the winner – only for the prize to later be withdrawn

Jodie Chapman, aged 37, from Abington, says her young son Frankie entered Far Cotton restaurant Cartel Brasserie and Grill’s mother’s day competition on Instagram last month.

However, when her son Frankie was announced as the winner, the restaurant made a U-turn and took back the prize, which was a trip to Spain, citing minimum age requirements and terms and conditions – but neither the original post or their website say anything about these rules.

Cartel Brasserie and Grill’s said that all its competitions are subject to ‘clearly defined’ terms and conditions which are made available on its website. It also claimed the promotional post clearly started an age of 18+.

Jodie said: “Out of hundreds and hundreds of people the AI generated thing picked Frankie as the winner. So they released it on their social media stories and I told him he won the competition.

“And then a few hours later, they come back to me and said he didn't meet the age requirement. I said, where was the age requirement?

"I've asked for evidential proof where it said 18 plus. And where were your terms conditions? I'm still owed an email from the 19th of March.”

She added: “I've told my son… ‘you've won a competition.’ Then, oh no, you haven't, darling. I'm really sorry. He was gutted. He was absolutely gutted.”

"They have gained hundreds of followers from that. I'm peed off about it, to be honest.”

Jodie says the competition has now cost her £500 to keep her son happy by booking him a trip to Spain at the end of the month.

She said: “Mum guilt kicked in. I thought I'm going to have to fork out 500 quid to take my son on holiday. So I did.

“So yes, this competition has actually cost me. Had we had won, I would not have to take him away. He doesn't deserve this. How dare they treat us this way.”

Jodie has since filed a complaint with the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

A spokesperson for the ASA said: “I can confirm that we have received a complaint about a Mother’s Day competition for Cartel Brasserie & Grill. This is currently being assessed to determine whether there are grounds for further action, but for clarity, we have not yet launched an investigation.”

In response, Cartel Brasserie & Grill said: “We take concerns of this nature seriously and welcome the opportunity to clarify the circumstances.

“All of our competitions are subject to clearly defined Terms and Conditions, which are made available on our website. The promotional post clearly stated that these applied, including an eligibility requirement of 18+. This is a standard condition to ensure fairness, safeguarding, and compliance.”

The Chronicle & Echo checked Cartel’s website and could not find any terms and conditions relating to competitions. A screenshot provided by Jodie of the original post also did not mention any minimum age requirement.

Cartel added: “Following the initial winner selection, which was conducted using a random and impartial process, all entries were subject to standard verification checks. During this process, it was identified that the selected entrant did not meet the minimum age requirement. As a result, the entry was in breach of the competition terms and was therefore disqualified.

“The prize was withdrawn and an alternative winner, who fully met all eligibility requirements, was selected and awarded accordingly.

“We appreciate that this outcome may be disappointing. However, applying our terms and conditions consistently is essential to ensure fairness and transparency for all participants.”

The Chronicle & Echo asked Cartel for further clarification regarding the lack of accessible terms and conditions and the absence of any stated minimum age requirement. The business has not responded further.