DINERS have rallied to defend a Worcester restaurant accused of treating a party of four "appallingly" during a night out.

Twelve Chesters' customers contacted the Evening News after Marcus Gardiner's claim that he was so disgusted with a waitress' behaviour, he had sought legal action.

Joint owner Lisa Watkins allegedly "lost the plot" for no reason, telling him, "I am in the hospitality trade, not the w***** trade, so f*** off", before grabbing the party's drinks and throwing them out.

But regulars to the Mexican restaurant were full of praise for both staff and cuisine.

"As a customer of Chesters this summer, I was treated with the utmost courtesy," said Robert Loveless of St George's Square.

"In fact they were most accommodating when we had an addition to our group at short notice on a busy Saturday evening in July."

Mr Loveless expressed his gratitude towards Miss Watkins and partner David Worland, who employed his French student for the summer from Worcester's twin town of Le Vesinet.

"Chesters has always provided something special among the variety of eating-out venues in our city," he said.

Veterinary nurse, Lesley Moore, defended Lisa Watkin's decision to throw the group out, saying customers who behaved unacceptably should not be tolerated.

"I say well done for doing what everyone else in the service wants to do when they have nasty customers," she said.

Alison Knowles, who owns Ally's Shop opposite the New Street eating venue praised Chesters' staff for bringing her food when she was busy.

"I always recommend Chesters to people," she said.

"They are extremely friendly and the food is excellent."

Six of the positive calls and e-mails were in response to a blackboard in the restaurant and paper on tables asking satisfied customers to contact the Evening News.

But the Evening News also received another nine complaints - three of which involved Miss Watkins.

Mr Worland, who was stunned by the report, insisted six of the complainants were problem customers or disgruntled members of staff.

He defended his partner's actions, maintaining the group had been asked to leave because of Mr Gardiner's "obnoxious", "critical" and "aggressive" behaviour.

"If you go to a nightclub and behave badly, you expect to be thrown out. But because you pay a bit more at a restaurant, people feel they can act however they want," he said.