The family behind a popular restaurant are losing hope that a man who walked out after racking up a £76 bill will return to give them the money.

Staff at Tandoori Lounge in Havering, owned by husband and wife Sukh and Honey Uppal, were shocked on November 29 when the diner left for a cigarette and did not come back.

The couple say that while the theft may seem small, people do not realise the impact that this can have on small businesses.

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Mr Uppal said: "It's not a small amount. You can do a lot with £76.

"There could be days that we only make £76 - you do get those quiet periods when people are worried about spending and they're not coming out to eat.

"If that was one of those days and suddenly he's just walked out without paying and suddenly I've got nothing.

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"But I still have to pay my staff wages, electricity and gas, cost of the products - there are loads of expenses."

Mr Uppal explained that the man went outside for a cigarette several times whilst dining at Tandoori Lounge.

But when he went for a cigarette after ordering his dessert, he did not return to pay the bill.

Initially, police were not going to investigate the theft but this changed due to what Mr Uppal suspects was pressure from social media. 

When police did find the man responsible for the unpaid bill, they asked him to return and pay the money instead of arresting him.

Despite this, Mr Uppal does not believe that he will see that £76 returned.

"For me, the police should have arrested him then, sometimes just to take a stance."

"I know it might not be high value to them but that could be wages for someone. It's more the principle, you shouldn't go around stealing." 

Mr Uppal also fears that independent restaurants will see an increase in people dining and dashing because of the current cost-of-living crisis.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "The investigating officer is aware that the man who left the restaurant has failed to make the payment.

"The officer contacted the man, who said he was going to make the payment today (Wednesday, November 7)."

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