Influencers looking for free handouts are annoying at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic when we should be supporting local businesses as they desperately try to regain their losses after lockdown.
One influencer, however, didn't seem to get the memo and was subsequently savagely outed by a UK pub for what can only be described as massively entitled behaviour.
The social media user hit up pop up joint Four Leg inside London pub the Compton Arms for a whole lot of food in return for 'publicity' on the his Instagram page.
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Chefs Jamie Allan and Ed McIlroy posted the exchange with the individual on their own Instagram page - along with the epic prank they pulled in return.
Asking for several free takeaway meals, the influencer first explained that 'in exchange for this I'll be happy to advertise you via my Instagram stories' (not even a feed post, what??).
"Alongside a swipe up link if you have a website to direct my followers to your website in the hope of it leading to an order? Let me know if keen?" they continued.
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The restaurant's account asked the influencer if they were able to pick up the meals directly from them and gave them an address.
Thinking they've got their free meal in the (takeaway) bag, the influencer then asked for multiple meals for his 'bubble' - as in the group he has selected to lockdown with as is allowed in the UK.
The influencer added that he was happy to 'visit again when you do dine in for a feed post' but only if he could 'make this blend with my feed'.
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Clearly having an absolute gutful of influencers scabbing freebies as restaurants and pubs struggle amid the Covid pandemic, Four Legs played along in what would eventually become one hell of a prank.
"That's quite a lot of food, if you do a couple of posts then we can do it - you have a lot of followers!" they replied, before asking what time the influencer could pick up the food.
After saying he would be arriving at 6:30 pm, the influencer again messaged the restaurant's account to flag that he couldn't see the pub.
"Do you see the police station?" Four Legs responded. "Let me know when you see police station."
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"See it," the influencer replied.
"Magic - go in there and report yourself for crimes against the hospitality industry," Four Legs said.
After sharing the exchange on their page, Four Legs received a wave of support from followers, some even dubbing the prank as 'the best thing' they've ever seen.
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One commenter wrote: "Love this!!! Thanks for exposing, absolutely disgusting behaviour."
A second added: "Ironically, telling this egg where to go has actually got you guys more exposure than feeding a whole gang of lame influencers for free could ever get you!"
Another joked: "Hey gang just wondering if you had any money left in the till and if I could have it? Will meet you outside the NHS."
The influencer in question has since said he will offer an explanation via his own Instagram account.
Something tells us Four Legs won't be getting hit up by any more influencers any time soon...
Featured Image Credit: Instagram