A WAR of words has broken out between two rival establishments over “fake” reviews left on TripAdvisor.

Staff at Leckenby’s tea rooms claim a negative review posted by the chef at Stones Cafe Bar, a direct competitor, is false.

Jean Leckenby, the owner of the Mill Gate Centre tea rooms, said claims made in Nicola Hegedus’ review about “terrible service” and “average food” were unfounded.

But Ms Hegedus and Karen Stone, the owner of Stones, say they stand by the review and the fact Leckenby’s is a rival establishment is irrelevant.

Mrs Leckenby and daughter Melanie Filidoro, who is the manager, say they have had six “malicious” false TripAdvisor reviews over the last 12 months – some of which have been removed by the website.

Ms Hegedus’ one star review stated she and her family waited nearly half an hour for their drinks to arrive, food was average, presentation was poor, tables were too small and service inattentive.

Ms Filidoro said: “The table was actually served after 20 minutes, and it is impossible other tables which ordered afterwards would have been served first.

“Other customers who came to Leckenby’s at the same time on the same day left a review saying the service was efficient, the staff pleasant and the food good – well prepared and presented.”

Mrs Leckenby said: “We always go out of our way to solve problems and make things right – and when we get genuine criticism, we take it constructively and make changes.

“I think it is disgusting someone would talk down someone else’s business to try and improve their own. It is so upsetting when we have worked so hard to build our reputation.”

Leckenby’s, which opened in the late 1990s, and Stones in Rochdale Old Road, which launched in 2013, both serve afternoon teas.

Stones is currently number one in Bury on TripAdvisor while Leckenby’s, which was in first place between December 2013 and 2014, is currently fourth.

Owner Karen Stone said: “Nicola went to Leckenby’s with her family and what she wrote on TripAdvisor was true in terms of her experiences there.

“It is freedom of speech, and it makes no difference whether or not she works for a rival establishment.”

Ms Hegedus added: “It was never my intention to upset anyone.

“We visited Leckenby’s because we had a family member over from Canada, but we were disappointed on the day.

“I recently went to the Automatic in Bury and gave them a very positive review. Everyone is allowed their own opinion.”

Last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) called for information on online reviews and endorsements after concerns were raised about their trustworthiness and impartiality.