Burton restaurant goes viral after customer planting hair on plate in ‘dine and dash’ attempt

A restaurant in Burton has gone viral after releasing CCTV footage which shows a customer planting his hair on the plate in an attempt to dine and dash.

The incident happened at The Dial restaurant in Burton’s Station Street on 11 February.

According to general manager Jez Hives, two men had ordered some of the most expensive items on their menu, then walked out without settling the bill.

Items include a £70 steak for two, £40 fillet steak, sides and cocktails.

After eating part of their meals, the men approached staff with their plates and complained there was hair in the food, later refusing to pay and leaving the restaurant.

They are yet to be caught.

Jez Hives said: “Independent venues face real challenges when it comes to dine and dash incidents.

“As a restaurant serving the community, even a small number of unpaid tabs can cut directly into tight margins already stretched by rising food, energy, and staffing costs.

“Unlike large chains, independent businesses don’t have the same financial cushion to absorb repeated losses.

“Beyond the money, it can be disheartening for staff who work hard to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, only to have that trust taken advantage of.

“For places like The Dial, dine and dash isn’t just an inconvenience it’s a setback that affects the team, the business, and ultimately the wider local community that supports it.”