A FORMER cafe owner has promised to pay back a restaurateur after allegedly walking out and leaving the bill.

Spencer Freedman, who ran the controversial Grafters Cafe, is accused of wining and dining a partner at Il Pescatore and then leaving.

The alleged behaviour angered owner Daniel Burzotta, 44, particularly because of the industry connection - so he “named and shamed” the alleged culprit posting pictures on social media.

Mr Burzotta, from the family run venue in Queens Road, Southend, said: “He came in on Saturday January 5 with his partner, he ordered starters and mains and a bottle of wine and spirits - the bill came to £100.

“He kept asking how much the tab was and kept going outside to smoke and we sensed he was acting odd - there was something about him.

“It was very busy in the restaurant and as soon as the staff got up to sing Happy Birthday for a customer at their table, we turned around and he was gone.

“We called him on the number he left when he made the booking and he said he forgot and would pay on Sunday so we gave him the benefit of the doubt but he never turned up. I called him again that night and he said he was busy and had family round and will come Monday.

“I told him he has got to pay his bill as it’s just not on, then Monday came and again he didn’t turn up and said he’s busy at the bank when I called.

“He has constantly made up stories and said his bank card was cloned and by Wednesday he was no longer answering my calls, so I put his picture on Facebook. It’s not even about the money any more, it’s just the principal of the whole thing.”

Mr Freedman claimed he would be paying and declined to comment further when approached by the Echo.

Grafters Cafe in Southend Road achieved national fame with its 99p breakfast but staff claimed they were not paid and the cafe then closed “for refurbishment”.