Running a restaurant isn’t just about serving great food — it’s about trust.
Most customers come in, enjoy their meal, pay their bill, and leave without any drama.
But for one seafood spot in Portsmouth, that basic trust has been tested so many times that the owner says he’s been left with no choice but to take drastic action.
After yet another “dine and dash” incident, a local steak and lobster house has now started asking customers to pay upfront before their food even hits the table.
Relentless Steak and Lobster House Brings in Pre-Payment Rules
Relentless – Steak and Lobster House, based in Port Solent, Portsmouth, has introduced a pre-pay system in an effort to stop people from eating and drinking their fill before walking out without paying.
Owner Scott Matthews, 39, says the decision wasn’t something he wanted to do, but repeated cases of customers fleeing without settling their bills have made it necessary.
He explained that these incidents aren’t rare anymore — and the financial hit is becoming impossible to ignore.
The Latest Incident Involved Oysters, Scallops, and Alcohol
The most recent case happened at lunchtime on January 29, when two men came into the restaurant and appeared to be electricians.
According to Mr Matthews, they started ordering food and drinks, including oysters and scallops, along with several alcoholic rounds.
At first, they paid around £130, which made them seem legitimate. But the owner believes they were intentionally taking advantage of how the payment system works.
How the Pair Allegedly Outsmarted Staff
Mr Matthews claims the two men knew staff usually collect payment for extra add-ons at the end of the meal, not immediately.
So after paying the first portion, they continued ordering more:
- More alcoholic drinks
- Shots
- Extra oysters
- Additional scallops
By the end, they had added another £170 worth of items — which they allegedly never paid for.
A Quick Excuse, Then a Fast Escape
The owner says the two men ordered one last round before casually telling staff they were stepping outside for a vape.
Instead of returning, they reportedly sprinted to a van and sped off.
Staff noticed within minutes, but by the time the chef came out, the vehicle was already gone.
Mr Matthews also pointed out that given the amount of alcohol involved, they shouldn’t have been driving at all.
“That’s Someone’s Day’s Wages”
For Mr Matthews, this isn’t just about numbers on a receipt.
He says incidents like this hit small businesses much harder than people realise.
He described the experience as deeply discouraging, explaining that every unpaid bill affects real workers who depend on that income.
As he put it, losing even £170 isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it can equal an entire day’s wages.
Not the First Time — and Not the Worst Bill Either
Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated case. Mr Matthews says the Port Solent area has even been described before as a “dine and dash hotspot.”
The worst incident, he claims, involved a group that ran up an £800 bill before disappearing.
That was the moment he decided pre-payment had to be introduced.
Customers Aren’t Happy About Paying Upfront
While the policy may protect the business, it hasn’t been popular with diners.
Mr Matthews admits many customers don’t like being asked to pre-pay, and the restaurant has already lost revenue because of it.
Still, he says it’s impossible to know who might do this, and the restaurant cannot single people out — so everyone is treated the same under the new rules.
He described the situation as damaging both for the business and for customers who simply want a normal dining experience.
Hospitality Is Already Struggling
Mr Matthews also stressed that the hospitality industry is already under huge pressure, with rising costs and tighter margins.
He says repeated theft like this feels like yet another blow at a time when independent restaurants are fighting just to survive.
Police Investigation Underway
The latest case has been reported to Hampshire Constabulary. Officers confirmed they received a report that two men left a restaurant on The Boardwalk in Paulsgrove without paying.
An investigation is ongoing, though no arrests have been made so far.
What Happens Next?
Mr Matthews is now urging the people responsible to come forward and settle the unpaid bill before the situation escalates further.
In the meantime, the restaurant’s new pre-payment policy remains in place — a sign of how repeated “dine and dash” crimes are forcing small businesses to change the way they operate, even at the risk of upsetting honest customers.
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