A couple who left an upmarket Penarth restaurant without paying a £115.60 bill have now settled the amount after CCTV footage of the incident was shared on social media. The pair, who ordered Dover sole and calamari, made contact with the restaurant following the public appeal, and the matter has been resolved without further police action.
Incident at El Puerto restaurant
The incident occurred on the evening of June 29 at El Puerto, located in the Old Custom House on Penarth's waterfront. According to the receipt, the couple ordered an all-day set menu for £32, a Dover sole meal for £52.10, calamari for £9.50, and eight Coca-Colas for £22, bringing the total to £115.60. Restaurant bosses described the non-payment as "hugely disappointing" given the effort put into service.
Social media appeal leads to resolution
Business owner Tanny Martinez previously expressed frustration, stating: "It’s incredibly frustrating when the hard work and dedication that goes into creating great experiences for our customers is not respected. The impact goes beyond the financial loss. Situations like this can also have a real effect on the team’s morale and wellbeing – especially when so much care and effort goes into every service."
The restaurant posted CCTV images on Facebook asking the couple to come forward. Speaking on behalf of the restaurant, Charley Backstedt-Calvert told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: "Ultimately the restaurant want the bill paid. The best resolution that can happen from this is having that bill paid."
Bill settled, no further action
After the diner contacted the restaurant, the bill was paid in full. El Puerto confirmed to Wales Online on Tuesday that the matter has been resolved. The incident had been reported to South Wales Police, but no further action will be taken given the settlement.
