Ipswich Restaurant Owner Blasts Couple for Alleged £195 Dine-and-Dash
Julien Jourdain, the owner of Bistro on the Quay in Ipswich, has publicly criticised a couple on social media, alleging they left without settling a £195 bill. The incident, which occurred on April Fools' Day, has sparked outrage and highlighted the challenges faced by small businesses in the hospitality sector.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Mr Jourdain, the pair ordered a substantial meal including two rib eye steaks, snails, scallops, three double vodka and Cokes, and a bottle of St Emilion Grand Cru red wine priced at £49. CCTV footage reportedly shows them entering the restaurant, stepping outside to vape, and then departing without payment. Mr Jourdain described this as a 'calculated act', accusing them of pretending to vape as a ruse to avoid paying.
In a social media post, he branded the couple 'low-lives', emphasising that his business works 'incredibly hard to stay afloat'. He explained to the Daily Mail that the supervisor on duty sensed something was amiss, prompting frequent checks on the pair due to their excessive vaping. When confronted, the man allegedly claimed his money was in his car, but never returned.
Impact on Small Businesses
Mr Jourdain revealed that this is not an isolated event for Bistro on the Quay. Over the past 12 months, the restaurant has experienced several alleged dine-and-dash incidents, along with two break-ins at the end of last year. He stressed that such situations can spell disaster for small enterprises, affecting both financial stability and staff mental well-being.
'We do not take payments before the meal is finished because that's just the way we have always operated,' he said. 'We're not that kind of restaurant.' However, due to a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour in the fine dining industry, he has implemented new rules, including requiring payment before eating for terrace diners.
Response and Community Support
Following the alleged incident, Mr Jourdain contacted the police but was not prioritised due to an influx of calls. He also searched for the couple that night without success, stating, 'I'm a lover, I'm not a fighter.' Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude for the 'loyal' support from the community, noting that it's crucial for businesses to stick together during difficult times.
He has advised his team to call him immediately if they suspect anything 'fishy', as 'they're not getting paid enough to run after people.' Amid growing costs in hospitality, Mr Jourdain emphasised that every penny counts and urged the community to keep each other informed to prevent similar occurrences.
The Daily Mail has approached Suffolk Police for comment on the matter.
