Overview
- Aegean Breeze in Worcester reported that a party of six walked out without paying a roughly £396–£400 bill after complaining the lobster tasted "earthy" and West Mercia Police opened an investigation into people making off without payment.
- El Puerto at The Old Custom House in Penarth said a couple left without settling a £115.60 bill on June 29 and staff recorded the car registration MD11 RAN before reporting the matter to South Wales Police.
- Both businesses posted CCTV stills, receipts and vehicle details on social media to identify the suspects and asked the public to come forward; no arrests or prosecutions have been reported in current coverage.
- Owners described the incidents as more than a financial loss, saying offered bill deductions were refused in Worcester and that such walkouts damage team morale and add pressure to already strained hospitality businesses.
- National coverage places the two cases alongside a wider recent rise in dine‑and‑dash reports in the UK and police statements indicate investigations are ongoing as restaurants urge greater vigilance from the public and other local firms.