IT issue causes bar mix-up with nearby dessert chain

Kazbar and Kaspa's operate over the road from each other

If you have ever spent hours battling an IT issue, then spare a thought for a bar in Yeovil that has been experiencing problems for two years.

Kazbar cocktail and tapas bar has been having problems with its online profile ever since a user error accidentally changed a Facebook setting, linking the bar with Kaspa's, an unrelated dessert chain, located on the other side of the road.

Despite quickly rectifying the mistake, its owner Matt Thackwell said the settings always seemed to revert back, causing posts about desserts to appear on his page. He said the confusion was made worse because both companies had similar sounding names.

The owner said the technical error was "compromising" his business and he had reluctantly decided the only effective solution was to create a new business profile - meaning his cocktail and tapas bar has lost thousands of followers.

Posts from Kaspa's Desserts have been appearing on Kazbar's Facebook page since 2022

As well as affecting the bar's Facebook posts, the technical error also causes the dessert restaurant's contact details, cover photo and opening hours to be displayed on Kazbar's page.

Mr Thackwell said he had tried many times in settings to manually undo the changes but the amendments frequently reverted back.

"It's a very frustrating situation. I've wasted many hours over the last two years trying to resolve the issue, and I am certain it's had a detrimental effect on my business."

'Unable to explain'

Mr Thackwell has spoken to Kaspa's Desserts and was advised to get in touch with the chain's headquarters.

He said he had also contacted the Facebook support centre, but they were "unable to fully explain how it had initially started".

Facebook has been contacted for comment.