Couple accused of dine and dashing after £115 feast on Dover sole and calamari

Couple accused of dine and dashing after £115 feast on Dover sole and calamari The couple were seen on CCTV parking their car before allegedly enjoying a meal and drinks at El Puerto in Penarth, south Wales, then leaving without settling the £115 bill A restaurant owner has been left furious in the wake of a "hugely disappointing" moment two customers walked out without paying their £115 bill. The man and woman visited upmarket eatery El Puerto at the Old Custom House in Penarth, south Wales, at around 8pm on June 29. The pair were caught on CCTV pulling up in their flashy car in the brasserie's private car park before enjoying a meal and drinks, then making off without settling the tab. On Friday, the team confirmed the matter remained unresolved and released the customers' food receipt. According to the bill, the duo ordered an all day set menu for £32, a Dover sole meal for £52.10, calamari for £9.50 and eight Coca-Colas for £22. The total came to £115.60. Business owner Tanny Martinez said the hospitality industry already faces a number of financial challenges, and incidents like these only add to the damage. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter, reports Wales Online. He said: "This has been hugely disappointing for the entire team. The hospitality industry is already facing an incredibly challenging economic climate, with rising costs and pressures across the sector, without having to deal with situations like this. "It's incredibly frustrating when the hard work and dedication that goes into creating great experiences for our customers is not respected. The impact goes beyond the financial loss. Situations like this can also have a real effect on the team's morale and wellbeing, especially when so much care and effort goes into every service. "We're incredibly proud to have been part of the Penarth community for over two decades, and we're grateful for the incredible support and kindness shown by our customers and the wider community following our post." Tanny's marketing team alleged that the pair made a swift exit once they noticed staff weren't looking. The spokesman explained: "It was a normal dining experience and they waiting until waiting staff in that area's backs were turned and then once they could see there was nobody watching, they left quickly. "A manager realised quite quickly what had happened and so ran out into the car park to try and speak to them, but they had already left unfortunately by that point." A message previously posted by the restaurant on their Facebook page stated: "We'd much rather resolve this directly and appreciate you getting in touch with us as soon as possible." The marketing team confirmed the matter has now been reported to South Wales Police. A spokeswoman for South Wales Police confirmed: "South Wales Police received a report of theft from The Custom House, Penarth, on June 29. Anyone with information to contact South Wales Police quoting 2600206060."