Chef Gary Usher slams customers who left his restaurant without paying £370 bill

21 May 2024 , 14:14

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Chef Gary Usher has hit out at a group who left one of his restaurants £370 out of business (Image: MEN MEDIA)

A top chef has slammed a group of 'dine and dashers' who allegedly left without paying a £370 bill for a birthday meal in one of his restaurants

Restaurateur Gary Usher, who owns a string of Manchester eateries, said the three diners walked into Hispi in Didsbury on Monday night, before claiming they were going out for a smoke when they failed to come back to settle. The trendy bistro was left £371 out of pocket, he said.

Gary took to social media to blast the customers, saying the loss was now unfortunately "part of running restaurants". "Had a table of 3 walk in to celebrate their dad's birthday," the post read.

"They built up a tab of £371.80 and walked out without paying. I apologise profusely, I had all faith that they were going for a cigarette." Gary posted on X: "End of day report from Hispi Bistro last night. We cooked for 20 people but only 17 of them paid. It's gutting but unfortunately part of running restaurants. Anyway… MORNING."

The party of three racked up a £370 bill at Hispi before leaving without paying (MEN Media)

Gary's followers shared his frustration, Manchester Evening News reports. One said: "So basically the restaurant opened for the night with little profit to show now. Must be demoralising." Gary replied: "Yep."

'I work in a restaurant - there's a bill trick we use if we want you to leave'

Another said: "This is appalling behaviour. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying up front but I realise that this is a bit of a culture shift for most. Taking a card swipe would maybe not solve the issue either if the cards are subsequently declined."

It comes amidst a spate of reports in recent months of "dine and dash" incidents at restaurants across the UK. A couple from Port Talbot, Wales, pleaded guilty to fraud in court earlier this month after they were caught fleeing an Italian restaurant in the town without paying.

Ann and Bernard McDonagh, 41, were described as serial dine and dashers, with Swansea magistrates court hearing they had bailed on four previous restaurants across Wales without settling the tab. Ann McDonagh, 39, also admitted four further counts of shoplifting.

Meanwhile a group of 20 diners allegedly stuffed themselves on £300 worth of food at a restaurant in Exeter, Devon, before they dashed without paying the bill. The huge party reportedly arrived at the Tamarind Bay in Heavitree in the city on Tuesday, April, 23, racking up the £322 bill, with only three paying the £52 they owed, leaving the business £270 out of pocket.

Adam Maidment