What started as a typical boozy lunch at a Portsmouth restaurant quickly turned into a scene straight out of a crime story.
Two men managed to walk out without paying a hefty £170 bill after indulging in oysters, scallops, and several rounds of shots.
Staff at Relentless – Steak and Lobster House were left stunned and had to call the police after the pair disappeared into the afternoon traffic.
How the Dine and Dash Unfolded
Owner Scott Matthews, 39, explained that the duo arrived at the restaurant on January 29, blending in as what looked like electricians.
They placed an initial pre-paid order worth £130, cleverly exploiting a system where extra orders aren’t charged until the end.
Once the first round of food and drinks was underway, the pair piled on more alcohol and seafood, racking up an additional £170 that they never intended to pay.
The audacious escape happened after their last round of drinks.
Matthews said, “They claimed they were going outside for a vape, then sprinted to their van and drove off.”
Witnesses saw the van speeding away in just a few minutes, leaving the restaurant staff shocked and concerned about the risks of drinking and driving.
Impact on a Small Business
For Matthews, who has run the business for 20 years, the incident hits much deeper than the lost money.
“It’s not just about the balance sheet – it’s someone’s day’s wages,” he said.
As a small, independent business, every penny counts.
Rent, service charges, and utilities push monthly costs well over £100,000, leaving very little room for error.
He added that while £170 may seem small to some, it’s equivalent to half a week’s wages for an employee.
Repeated incidents like this, including one where a group ran up an £800 bill before vanishing, forced him to introduce mandatory prepayment for all customers.
Prepayment: A Necessary but Unpopular Move
The shift to prepaying for food hasn’t been smooth.
Matthews admitted it has caused frustration among regular customers, some of whom refuse to accept the new system.
But the move was unavoidable, as it protects jobs, revenue, and ultimately the survival of the business.
“It damages morale, it damages the business, and it damages the country,” he said, highlighting the broader impact of dine-and-dash incidents.
Why the Restaurant Gets Targeted
Matthews believes Relentless’s location near a cluster of chain restaurants makes it a magnet for people attempting to dodge bills, assuming smaller, independent venues are easier targets.
The £800 bill that disappeared months ago directly prompted the prepayment policy, and while it has helped prevent massive losses, it has also reduced revenue and annoyed genuine patrons.
“Prepayment is inconvenient for everyone, but we can’t discriminate.
We do it for every customer to protect our business,” Matthews said.
Despite these measures, incidents keep happening, making hospitality increasingly challenging.
Police Involvement
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed receiving a report about the incident on January 29, stating that an investigation is underway.
“Two men left a restaurant on The Boardwalk in Paulsgrove without paying,” the police said, adding that no arrests have been made yet.
Matthews hopes the culprits come forward and settle the bill before further action is required.
