A widower celebrating his 86th birthday alone at an Italian restaurant in Warrington, Cheshire, was left 'stunned' after fellow diners paid for his meal. Bob Leigh was enjoying his favourite dishes at Caffe Caruso on January 10 when a group at the next table covered his £38 bill.
The former electrician, dressed in his best suit, had chatted with the group during his meal. When he tried to pay, he was amazed to find the bill already settled. 'I can't thank them enough. I was blown away by their kindness,' he told the BBC.
Bob, whose wife died a few years ago, ordered two glasses of wine, a £13.70 curry chicken pasta dish, a pudding and an Irish coffee. He approached the group to insist on paying, but they refused, saying it was their treat.
The former rugby league referee reflected on the gesture amid global news of conflict and hardship. 'There is so much darkness in the world at the moment with Ukraine, Venezuela and Trump that it warms my heart,' he said.
A spokesperson for Caffe Caruso noted such kindness is not uncommon: 'Sometimes people see someone dining alone and then they pay for their meal.'
