Diners Settle £115 Bill After 'Misunderstanding' at Penarth Restaurant

A pair of diners at The Old Custom House in Penarth left without paying a £115 bill, including a £52 Dover sole. The restaurant owner called it a "misunderstanding" after the bill was settled a week later. Police investigated but did not pursue the case after payment.

Incident Overview

A pair of diners who left The Old Custom House restaurant in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, without paying a £115 bill on 29 June have described the situation as a "misunderstanding," according to the restaurant's owner.

The meal included a £52 Dover sole, eight Cokes, calamari, and a two-course set menu. The customers were recorded on CCTV enjoying seafood and drinks during their visit.

A black and white receipt with restaurant name — Image caption, The restaurant bill included a £52 Dover sole, eight Cokes and calamari

The restaurant issued a public appeal requesting payment after the diners allegedly left without settling their bill.

Tanny Martinez, owner of The Old Custom House, confirmed that the pair have now paid the outstanding amount a week later and explained the situation was a "misunderstanding."

Police Involvement

South Wales Police initially announced they were investigating a report of theft related to the incident. However, they later stated that the restaurant did not wish to pursue the case following payment of the bill.

A woman in a white sweatshirt and leggings and a man in a black vest and black shorts walking into a building with red doors. Both of their faces are blurred. — Image caption, Police say the restaurant did not want to pursue the case now the bill has been paid

Impact on Staff and Community

Speaking on behalf of the restaurant, which has been part of the Penarth community for over 20 years, Charley Backstedt-Calvert told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that the staff who worked during the shift were "really quite upset."

"Yes there's an unpaid bill as part of this, but it's bigger than that,"

"The staff put themselves into every service and the effects are felt among the team."

Backstedt-Calvert also noted that incidents of dine-and-dash have increased over recent years.

"Five years ago, I don't want to say it was uncommon, but now across our restaurants it's probably once a month now, in the last year."

He added that restaurants have had "really good success" in using social media to appeal for payment from customers who leave without paying.

"Rightly or wrongly so, we always choose to take this to social media first.

Ultimately, the restaurant want the bill paid. The best resolution that can happen from this is having that bill paid.

Putting it on social media you're going direct to the source, and there's a good chance people will come forward from that."

Challenges for the Hospitality Industry

Martinez previously expressed frustration over the incident, highlighting the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector.

"The hospitality industry is already facing an incredibly challenging economic climate, with rising costs and pressures across the sector, without having to deal with situations like this," he said.