Couple slammed for 'forgetting' to pay at restaurant with 'terrible' service

05 January 2024 , 13:57

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The couple have been called 'grubby' for forgetting to pay (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Going out for food is what Brits do best - but it doesn't always go to plan.

As the cost-of-living crisis rumbles on, most of us are saving those fancy meals out for special occasions. If you've ever reluctantly parted with your cash in exchange for mediocre food, wrong orders, or rude waiters, you'll understand how frustrating it can be.

But no matter how terrible the service may be, etiquette (and the law) say customers should pay for the food they have ordered. Hopefully, the restaurant would offer some kind of compensation for your poor experience - though that won't always be the case. One couple have been slammed after 'forgetting' to pay at a restaurant, sparking swathes of backlash online.

Taking to Mumsnet, an anonymous user explains how she and her partner went for a meal on New Year's Eve and paid for a ticket in advance for the entrance fee. The pair had drinks they had bought from the bar, but put two mains and starters on their tab.

"The service was absolutely terrible, 45 minute wait to order meal... only because I asked if they could take our food order," she wrote. "Then they delivered starters and mains together. [It] took another 45 minutes to clear plates with no check in or offer of dessert. [We] never got the promised prosecco at midnight."

'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'

The couple say they 'forgot' to pay the bill and only remembered three days after. "I have left it to my other half but he hasn't paid and said they can phone if they want it," the post concluded.

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People quickly took to the comments section to give thier thoughts, with one user branding the couple 'grubby'. "I expect your CCTV 'mugshots' will be plastered all over social media soon," said one user. While another added: "If you were not happy you should have complained at the time. You're a thief if you're not going to pay."

Many sympathised with the poor service the duo received, but insisted not paying their open tab isn't right. One person wrote: "Yes - dreadful experience sounds a nightmare, but not paying for what you consumed is still theft in my eyes. I would complain though."

A second agreed, stating: "Phone them to pay and give them constructive feedback. They were obviously busier than they could manage and need to improve on that going forward."

Liam Gilliver