Penarth dine-and-dash pair enjoy two-course dinner at The Custom House

A restaurant owner has slammed a "disrespectful" pair who he claims fled without paying for dinner and drinks, including a £52 Dover sole. They dined at The Custom House in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, on Monday evening, and racked up a £115 bill, which also featured eight Cokes, calamari and a two-course set menu. When the attention of staff was diverted elsewhere, they allegedly made a run for it - with their vehicle gone from the car park before the manager could catch up with them. The customers were caught leaving on CCTV, leading the restaurant to issue a social media appeal, asking them to return to the venue and arrange payment. South Wales Police said it was investigating the incident. "We'd much rather resolve this directly and appreciate you getting in touch with us as soon as possible," the restaurant wrote. Tanny Martinez, owner of the restaurant which has been part of the Penarth community for more than 20 years, described the incident as "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,"