A family run restaurant has been left distraught after claiming a group of Travellers racked up a more than £300 bill and left without paying. Tamarind Bay, an independent restaurant located in Exeter’s Fore Street, said that a large group of 20 people – including children – visited on Tuesday, April 23.
The group arrived in vans and a Landrover at around 7pm and racked up the hefty bill for their food and drinks. Although one family, which included a baby, settled their £52 tab, the remainder of the party absconded without paying, leaving the restaurant with a loss of £270, the restaurant claims.
This blow comes during what has been described as the quietest month of the year for the business.
Saiful Rahman, the manager of Tamarind Bay, has reported the incident to the police and is circulating details of some of the vehicles involved, including their number plates.
Saiful said: “We have never experienced a mass exodus. It was actually shocking.
“I have experience with Travellers and I could tell they were from their vehicles, their accents, the way they spoke and how they acted. We served them because we don’t discriminate. We didn’t ask for upfront payment as from experience this would have caused a fuss with them saying we are discriminating against them when other groups of people aren’t asked to.”
The group were seated at five tables after arriving with no booking. Once the meals were served, four of the individuals claimed they were going to pick up a birthday cake from across the street since the restaurant didn’t offer any.
While a trio settled their bill in cash, the remainder of the party abruptly left. Saiful pursued them outside but they sped away in their vehicles.
Saiful told Devon Live: “I couldn’t believe the sheer audacity. It seemed very well constructed and we then had to clean up the mess they had left behind. We worked hard to serve them, they left, drove off, lied, and they had children who most likely will copy their behaviour.”
He added: “I called the police on 999 who asked whether the people had left the building. I said yes and was advised to call 101 as it was classed as a non-emergency.
“After an hour and 10 minutes, we managed to get through and explain the situation. The police took some information and advised they would be in touch.
“What happened is a big deal because bars, restaurants and cafes are struggling so I do want some justice. All I want is for everyone to be alert, safe and to not feel powerless. I’m not tarring all Travellers with the same brush as there are hard-working Travellers who are honest.
“The people who committed this crime are aware of the post as one of them rang last night and tried to get me to take it down but I refused. He said his vehicle had been pictured in the post and said he was the one that paid and he wasn’t part of the group, but they all came together.
“We have had multiple messages from people saying the vehicles we shared photographs of on our Facebook page have been seen at Cowick Barton Playing Fields where travellers have set up. The messages of support we have received have gone a long way to help us feel much better.”
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police are aware of an incident where is it alleged that a group of people left Tamarind Bay restaurant, Exeter, without paying their bill on the evening of Tuesday, April 23.”
“Enquiries continue into this matter. Anyone with any information that could assist the police is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 50240097061.”
