What are cookies
A cookie is a small text file placed on a visitor's device by the browser when a page is loaded. It stores limited technical information, such as display preferences or a record of consent choices, so the site can function correctly on return visits.
Cookies used on this portal do not identify a visitor by name and do not store sensitive details such as passwords or payment information. Their purpose is limited to supporting site operation, understanding general usage patterns, and remembering basic preferences.
This policy is written to comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which govern how cookies and similar technologies may be used on websites accessed from the United Kingdom.
Categories of cookies we use
Cookies on this site fall into four broad categories, each serving a distinct function:
- strictly necessary cookies, required for core navigation and basic site functionality;
- analytics cookies, which collect anonymised statistics on page views and traffic patterns;
- functional cookies, which remember display settings such as language or layout preferences;
- marketing cookies, used only where consent is given, to measure the reach of content shared externally.
Strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off, since the site cannot operate correctly without them. The remaining three categories are optional and are only activated once a visitor gives consent through the cookie banner shown on first visit.
Cookies in use on this site
The table below sets out illustrative examples of the cookies used on bistroatbruntonhall.co.uk, grouped by category, name, purpose, and typical duration.
| Category | Example name | Purpose | Duration |
| 🍪 Strictly necessary | session_id | Maintains basic navigation and page structure during a visit | Session (deleted on browser close) |
| 📊 Analytics | analytics_id | Records anonymised page views and general traffic trends | Up to 13 months |
| ⚙ Functional | lang_pref | Remembers language and display preferences for return visits | Up to 12 months |
| 📢 Marketing | ad_consent | Stores the consent status for any advertising-related cookies | Up to 6 months |
These examples are indicative rather than exhaustive. The exact cookies in operation may change as the site's technical setup is updated, and any material change is reflected in this policy.
Consent and how to withdraw it
On a first visit, a banner explains that cookies are in use and invites the visitor to accept, decline, or customise categories beyond those strictly necessary. Continued browsing after closing the banner without adjusting settings is treated as acceptance of the choices presented.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time. This is done either by returning to the cookie settings panel on the site, where available, or by clearing stored cookies and adjusting preferences directly in the browser.
Withdrawing consent for analytics, functional, or marketing cookies does not affect access to the review content on this portal. Only optional data collection linked to those categories stops; core navigation continues to work through strictly necessary cookies.
Managing cookies through your browser
Most browsers allow cookies to be viewed, blocked, or deleted through their privacy or settings menu. The exact wording and location of these controls varies between browsers and between desktop and mobile versions.
Typically, the relevant options are found under a section named "Privacy and security" or "Site settings", where a visitor can review stored cookies, remove specific entries, or block new cookies from being set for this domain going forward.
Blocking or deleting strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of the site from displaying or functioning correctly, including navigation and content layout. Blocking analytics, functional, or marketing cookies has no effect on access to reviews and guides published on this portal.
Some operating systems also provide device-level controls for tracking technologies, in addition to browser-level settings. These operate independently of individual browser preferences and offer a further layer of control.
Changes to this policy and contact
This cookie policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in the site's technical setup or in applicable law, including any future revisions to PECR or UK GDPR guidance. The version published on this page is always the current one and takes effect from the date of publication.
Visitors are encouraged to review this page periodically to stay informed of how cookies are used on bistroatbruntonhall.co.uk. Questions about this policy, including requests relating to specific cookie categories, can be sent to [email protected].