**Outrage as Family Accused of ‘Brazen’ £320 Dine-and-Dash at Renowned Welsh Pub**
A well-known pub in the Usk Valley found itself at the centre of local outrage this week, after a family of ten reportedly left without settling a sizeable £320 food bill. The incident, which occurred at the Greyhound Inn on Sunday, 27 July, has prompted both a police investigation and significant reaction online.
Kelly Joliffe, 49, has been the landlady of the Greyhound Inn for the past eight years. She described the recent episode as the most blatant case of ‘dine and dash’ she has witnessed in her tenure. Despite dealing with similar incidents before, this one, she claims, stands out due to the boldness of those involved.
According to Ms Joliffe, the group arrived at the pub in Usk and made themselves known straight away with their demanding behaviour. “When they walked in, they were not particularly friendly,” she recounted. Despite being informed of table service, the group continued to approach the bar, setting an early tense atmosphere within the usually popular establishment. The Greyhound Inn, known for its traditional country pub fare and friendly reputation, was busy with around 150 diners that day.
The sequence of events reportedly escalated after the family had ordered starters and main courses for all ten members. Wait staff checked in during the meal and were met with harsh criticism. “They said, ‘It’s all shocking. None of it’s any good’,” Ms Joliffe reported, recalling how the complaints came only halfway through their main courses, yet the plates were cleaned. Despite offering to involve management, the group insisted they would only speak to the manager after finishing their meals.
Ms Joliffe explained that after their meal, the group flatly refused to pay for the food and were only willing to cover the drinks. “Paying for just the drinks, after eating everything, is not acceptable,” she stated. The family put just £44 in cash on the table—far short of the near £330 owed—before making their move towards the exit.
The situation intensified as the group, split between two vehicles, was confronted by Ms Joliffe and some of the kitchen staff. She recalls following the diners outside in an attempt to retrieve payment, with one older man in the group allegedly becoming confrontational. “There was no physical fight, only a heated verbal exchange,” Ms Joliffe assured, but the family promptly left the premises without offering additional payment.
Since the incident, Ms Joliffe has remained in contact with Gwent Police, who have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft. A spokesperson for the police stated, “We’re investigating an allegation of theft in Usk Road, Llantrisant, which occurred around 3pm on Sunday 27 July. We are speaking to several people to clarify the circumstances and inquiries continue.”
The case has attracted considerable attention after Joliffe detailed the incident on social media. “The support I’ve received online has been overwhelming,” she remarked. The post, intended to highlight the unacceptable behaviour and perhaps discourage similar actions, received widespread backing from the local community and beyond.
Unpaid bills of this magnitude place a serious burden on independent establishments, especially during difficult trading periods. Incidents like this can have a demoralising impact on hospitality staff and lead to increased tensions, as further highlighted by the online debate.
While investigations continue, local residents have expressed their frustration over such actions, emphasising the importance of respect and honesty when dining out. Joliffe hopes the exposure surrounding the event will deter potential future offenders, as both police and the public await further developments in the case.