The couple gorged themselves on 14 shots and several plates of treats before scarpering for the exits of The Halfway House in Brentwood, Essex, in what was suspected of being a “premeditated” incident
This is the moment the “ultimate dine and dash” couple necked Baby Guinness shots and guzzled down steaks before they ran out on a £230 bill.
Deanne Perkins, general manager of The Halfway House in Brentwood, Essex, said the couple racked up the staggering £231.30 bill on May 16. Footage showed the brazen man and woman being seated before they asked to be moved to a table near the restaurant’s rear exit.
Their request to be seated closer to the exit led Deanne to believe the incident was “premeditated.” Deanne said the couple ordered several starters, two steaks, 14 shots of Baby Guinness and ice cream sides.
Deanne, 45, said the “ultimate dine and dash” couple scoffed the food before the woman slinked out of the front door while appearing to chat away on the phone. Footage appeared to show the man as he looked around before heading off toward the rear exit.
They were later spotted running away across the car park. When staff reviewed the CCTV footage later that day, Deanne was stunned to see the couple did a runner without paying off the £231.30 bill and then reported it to the police.
Deanne later shared the clip of the incident online to raise awareness and warn other businesses about the couple. She claimed the woman was later shamed into coming back to the restaurant to pay £90 toward the bill.
But the man has not been in touch, according to Deanne. The general manager from Great Baddow Essex, added: “They just seemed like a normal couple. They asked to sit, they moved from a small table to a big table.
“It’s away from everyone but sometimes couples do that to have a private meal. They specifically asked for that table, it did seem premeditated.
“They were absolutely fine, chatty. There was no indication any of this would happen. The lady got up and walked to the front on her phone, which is not uncommon as some people go outside to take a call.
“You can see him looking around waiting for staff to not be in his eye line. Then he got up and went out the back and ran all the way around.
“They ran but they didn’t get into a car, we don’t know where they went. The lady came in after seeing it on social media and paid her half of the bill – £90. But we still have to hear from the gentleman.”
The female dine and dasher allegedly claimed she did not realise they left without paying. Deanne added: “I wasn’t there but apparently she said she didn’t know. But she had ran to the car park so I’m not quite sure.”
She said customer running off without paying was a demoralising experience and that public support had been great since the footage was shared online. The Mirror has contacted Essex Police for comment.