Chadderton Bar and Grill, UK, releases CCTV after alleged Valentine’s Day dine-and-dash

A restaurant in the United Kingdom published CCTV footage of three diners who it alleged left without paying an almost $500 bill, highlighting a growing trend of hospitality venues turning to social media in a bid to recover losses.

Chadderton Bar and Grill in Oldham shared a video of the trio on Facebook shortly after the incident, saying the group enjoyed food and drinks before leaving the premises without settling their account.

The footage shows two women walking towards the exit before being followed by a man. All three briefly appear to speak to a waiter near the door before departing.

According to the restaurant, the group ran up a bill of £234.45 ($A439) on Valentine’s Day. The order included two fillet steaks priced at £26.95 each, pizzas, portions of Frederick’s ice cream and drinks including Malibu and coke and eight pornstar martinis.

The owner, Lokman, told the Manchester Evening News the party arrived at around 7pm without a booking on what is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants.

“They hadn’t booked, and we were quite busy. It was two ladies and one gentleman, and they wanted a table but had to wait.

“After 15 minutes, they got a table and ordered cocktails, double Malibus, food and dessert.

“Their friend also came to join them. One girl went out first for a smoke, then the others followed after about five minutes.

“I was serving another table, taking an order, and the next thing, I looked over and they had disappeared.

“I am gutted. It’s not just about the money, but it’s the time. We had to make all the cocktails for them when we were busy.”

In a public post accompanying the CCTV footage, the restaurant said it does not typically release surveillance images but felt compelled to do so in this case.

“We are sharing this message to make other restaurant owners and businesses aware.

“These customers visited our restaurant, enjoyed their meal, and unfortunately left without paying the bill.

“We have CCTV footage and the bill receipt as proof of the incident.

“As a business, we normally respect customer privacy and never share CCTV footage publicly.

“However, in this situation, we feel it is important to raise awareness and protect other local businesses from similar incidents.

“If the individuals in this video see this post, we kindly request you to contact us and settle the outstanding bill.

“We also request fellow business owners to stay alert. Thank you for your support.”

The post prompted swift reaction from customers online, many expressing disbelief at the alleged conduct.

“Oh this is horrible, my family and myself have had lovely meals here including xmas dinner. What is wrong with people.

“I feel like crying. You terrible people.”

Another wrote: “How on earth in 2026 do people have the audacity to walk into establishments, sit down, eat a meal and walk out without paying.

“That is actually MORTIFYING to think of.”

It is unclear whether police have been contacted regarding the alleged incident.