Had and still having a terrible, terrible experience with GBG regarding a party we had booked for my daughters 12th birthday party. We contacted GBG through their website to see if they could fulfil they party and they came back on e-mail to agree, stating that quick payment of a deposit would secure the date. We transferred the money via bank transfer straight into an account, got confirmation that it was received and waited for the party date. Our problems arose on the day of the party when we took a call from GBG 45 minutes or so before the party was due to start stating that host was delayed. Further calls between ourselves and GBG led to a number of different stories and ultimately a cancellation. It's now approaching 6 weeks since the party was cancelled and, despite an e-mail stating they would refund us our money, we still don't have a refund of deposit. I do have numerous e-mails referring to 'Management looking into it', however. I left my number for the Director (Kate Brown) to call me back but no luck. Unfortunately, now they have my number every time I try to call the office I get put to answer phone or simply 'red buttoned'. Interestingly, I had to contact the reviews website that I am writing on as the automated invite to leave a review was never sent to me. The reviews company stated that all clients should get an invite so cynically I can only assume that GBG don't send the invite I also took the action to call GBG as a new customer to ask about the bad reviews that I'd seen. They stated that they were fraudulent, posted a long time ago and also posted by competitors. When I stated that I was a customer with a complaint they changed their story. Looking online it appears that I am not on my own. As such I have subsequently reported GBG to trading standards and have been advised by a course of action to redeem my money. They also advised that anybody else with a complaint should contact them also as the more complaints the more awareness this will bring to the standards team. I would urge GBG to look at those cancelled parties and simply refund the money that you took. It appears GBG are very happy to thank those people that put nice reviews on, so clearly looking at the site, but unable to address failings in the business and all the let down customers. On a personal note to other parents; to have to deal with the despair and sadness of your daughter who was so thrilled at having an AWESOME party with her newly made friends at senior school, then have it cancelled at the last minute is heart breaking. UPDATE 27th FEBRUARY Despite very sweet words from Katie in response to this posting, along with a follow on e-mail and the exchange of bank details I still have no refund, despite being a week on and now 7 weeks from the original booking. So - the risk is simple. If you get a host then it sounds like you'll have a good time. If you don't then it's tough luck and you can kiss goodbye to your deposit. I'll keep you posted if I get any movement....