Privacy Policy

At The Cottage, we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who We Are

Business Name: The Cottage

Address: 19 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EZ

Phone: 01525 853794

Email: info@thecottageLB.com

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

1. Information You Provide

• Name, phone number, and email address (for table bookings and enquiries)
• Special dietary requirements or allergies
• Newsletter subscription preferences
• Function and event booking details

2. Information Collected Automatically

• Website usage data through cookies and analytics (IP address, browser type, pages visited)
• Device information (operating system, screen resolution)
• Referring website and search terms used to find us

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To process and confirm your table bookings and event reservations
• To communicate with you about your bookings or enquiries
• To accommodate special dietary requirements and provide better service
• To send marketing communications (only if you've opted in)
• To improve our website and services through analytics
• To comply with legal obligations

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract: Processing necessary to fulfill our service (table bookings, catering)
• Consent: Marketing communications and analytics cookies (you can withdraw anytime)
• Legitimate Interest: Website improvement and fraud prevention

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They include cookies that remember your cookie consent preferences.

Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This helps us improve our service. These cookies are only set if you accept them.

You can manage your cookie preferences through the banner displayed on your first visit. To change your preferences, clear your browser cookies and revisit our website.

Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your information with:

• Booking System Providers: To manage table reservations
• Email Service Providers: To send newsletters (if subscribed)
• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics (anonymized data)
• Legal Authorities: If required by law

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

How Long We Keep Your Data

• Booking Information: Retained for 1 year for service improvement and records
• Marketing Preferences: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website Analytics: Anonymized data retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Right to Rectification: Correct any inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing or analytics at any time

To exercise your rights, please contact us at info@thecottageLB.com or call 01525 853794

Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media, booking platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. Please review their privacy policies separately.

How to Complain

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Website: ico.org.uk

Helpline: 0303 123 1113

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Please check back regularly for updates.