Chef calls out customers who 'walked out without paying £370 bill'

A chef who owns restaurants across Liverpool and the North West claimed three customers left without paying their £370 bill.

Gary Usher, the award-winning chef and owner of Elite Bistros group, shared his frustration on social media at what reportedly happened in one of his restaurants. Gary owns Liverpool's Wreck, Pinion in Prescot and Burnt Truffle in Heswall.

He also has Hispi Bistro in Didsbury and Kala in Manchester city centre. Gary shared that a Hispi staff member reported three customers had racked up a bill of £371.80 under the pretence of celebrating a birthday.

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However when they left the restaurant claiming they were going for a smoke- they reportedly left without paying. Gary shared the disappointing news on social media and said: "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."

Many of his followers expressed their sympathy, one said: "So basically the restaurant opened for the night with little profit to show now. Must be demoralising." To which Gary simply responded: "Yep."

Others offered words of support and praised the quality of his establishments, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Petersgate Tap, a pub in Stockport, added: "Gutting Gary - what is wrong with people these days? Oh yes it may have something to do with a govt that does what it likes too".

Another person said: "Will we end up at the point where, like a hotel, you start to take a holding/pending amount on the card when we enter? I would be happy for this to happen."

Someone else commented: "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."

While another said: "Name, address and card details - charge a small amount to card to check it's valid. And sue them as well as reporting to police. But sorry you have this hassle to cope with."