A couple who enjoyed a seafood lunch and eight Coca Colas at a family-run waterside restaurant in Wales left without paying their £115 bill. The incident occurred at El Puerto restaurant, located in the old Custom House in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.
Details of the meal
One of the pair ordered from the 'all day set menu' while the other indulged in a dover sole costing £52.90, along with a £9.50 portion of calamari. Between them, they consumed eight Coca Colas, adding up to £22. The total bill came to £115.
Restaurant's appeal
In a Facebook post, the restaurant appealed for the couple to return and pay. 'A polite request to two customers who visited The Custom House today… We'd kindly ask you to return and settle your outstanding bill. We'd much rather resolve this directly and appreciate you getting in touch with us as soon as possible,' the post read.
Staff recorded the couple's license plate, which ironically read MD11 RAN. CCTV footage captured them entering and leaving via the main entrance. The man wore a dark sleeveless top and shorts, while the woman wore a headband, a white top, blue leggings, and carried a black handbag.
Owner's reaction
Restaurant owner Tanny Martinez expressed disappointment, stating the impact goes 'beyond the financial loss.' He said: '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. It's incredibly frustrating when the hard work and dedication that goes into creating great experiences for our customers is not respected.'
His family has run the restaurant for 20 years in a Grade II listed Renaissance-style dock building dating back to 1865, previously the site of the Penarth Head Inn.
Police involvement and public support
South Wales Police confirmed receiving a report about a theft from the business on June 30. Online users expressed support for the owners, with one commenting: 'I love it when people are caught out and publicly shamed, well done guys.' Another wrote: 'So sorry to hear this folks, hope it gets resolved.'
