A couple accused of a 'dine and dash' fled a restaurant after consuming 14 Baby Guinness shots alongside an expensive steak dinner. The incident occurred at the Halfway House restaurant in Brentwood, Essex, on May 16, where the pair racked up a bill of £231.30 before running across the car park without paying.
Premeditated Request?
CCTV footage shows the couple being seated initially, then requesting to move to a table closer to the back door. General manager Deanne Perkins believes this request was premeditated. The pair ordered two steaks, several starters and sides, ice cream, and 14 Baby Guinness shots—a staggering amount given the restaurant's large portion sizes.
Ms Perkins, 45, noted that the couple cleared their plates. The woman then left through the front door while chatting on her phone, and the man checked for staff before bolting out the back. Outside cameras captured them running across the carpark.
Partial Payment and Police Involvement
Ms Perkins reported the incident to Essex police and shared the footage online to warn other businesses. She claims the woman later returned, shamed into paying £90 for her half, but the man has not paid the remaining £141.30. The woman reportedly said her companion had no idea she left without paying.
'They just seemed like a normal couple,' Ms Perkins said. 'They asked to sit near the door, which seemed premeditated. They ordered tempura prawns, prawn cocktail, steaks, cocktails, and 14 Baby Guinness shots. It's crazy they finished everything—most people struggle with our portions.'
During the meal, the couple were chatty and gave no indication of their plan. Ms Perkins expressed disgust, especially as a small business. 'It's such a kick in the teeth.' Since posting the footage, public support has been overwhelming.
Wider Trend of Dine and Dashes
This incident follows a series of similar cases across the UK. On May 24, a family of four left a Devon fish and chip shop without paying a £45 bill, nearly caught by their own children. In Hastings, a group refused to pay a £146 bill and threatened staff on February 28. Another group in Manchester dined on steaks, pornstar martinis, and ice cream worth £234.45 on Valentine's Day before walking out.
An Essex police spokesperson said: 'We continue to seek a man in connection with a report of making off without payment from a business in West Horndon on 16 May.'
