Gary Usher calls out customers who walked out of restaurant without paying huge bill

Award-winning chef Gary Usher has called out customers who left his restaurant without paying their £370 bill.

The chef and restaurateur - who owns the Elite Bistros group of restaurants in the north west including Kala in Manchester city centre and Hispi in Didsbury - took to social media to share the story.

Posting an excerpt from the end of day report from Hispi, on School Lane, from Monday evening (May 20), a member of staff said the party of three didn't settle their £371.80 bill after telling the server they were going outside the venue for a smoke.

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"Had a table of 3 walk in to celebrate their dad's birthday," the post read. "They built up a tab of £371.80 and walked out without paying. I apologise profusely, I had all faith that they were going for a cigarette."

Gary posted on X: "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."

Gary's followers shared his frustration. One said: "So basically the restaurant opened for the night with little profit to show now. Must be demoralising." Gary replied: "Yep."

"So sorry to hear this Gary - cant imagine what this must feel like for a business owner trying to make a living. Just looked at your bistro online and looks amazing! Will be sure to make a visit when next over in Manc," another added.

"Ate at Kala last month, great service. Sorry to hear about this at Hispi, really poor," a fan posted.

Stockport pub The Petersgate Tap responded: "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!!"

One person asked: "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."

Another said: "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."

Someone else posted: "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."

Last month, Gary was forced to defend a staff member at his The White Horse Pub in Cheshire after a negative review targeted a waitress. The one-star review diner described a 'miserable' experience and the waiting staff's attitude as 'horrible'.

Gary later described the member of staff as 'an absolute credit' to the pub and threatened to block anyone who upset his team at any of his venues.