A couple from Devon, England, has detailed their experiences of repeatedly leaving restaurants and cafes in the South of France without paying the full bill, attributing their actions to a perceived decline in service quality and exorbitant prices.
The couple, who describe themselves as financially secure and upstanding members of the community, stated that their trip to the French Riviera transformed them into what they termed "middle-class dine-and-dashers."
Their first instance occurred in Cassis, a seaside town, after a disappointing breakfast at a cafe. The couple reported slow service and a lengthy wait for the bill, which they felt was disproportionate to the cost and quality of their coffee and croissants. After waiting for an extended period with no staff available to take their payment, they decided to leave what they believed was the cost of the ingredients, approximately five euros, for a meal they estimated to be worth closer to ten euros.
This initial experience set a precedent for the rest of their holiday, particularly in St. Tropez. The couple observed that many establishments in the affluent resort town appeared to offer indifferent service, which they felt did not justify the high prices, especially in contrast to the luxurious surroundings and clientele. They noted that meals which were relatively inexpensive on the menu, such as croque monsieurs, were of poor quality, resembling "service station" fare rather than elevated French cuisine.
During one lunch in St. Tropez, they ordered two coffees and two croque monsieurs, which totaled 30 euros before service and local taxes. The couple described the meal as lukewarm, made with basic ingredients, and the coffees as burned and tasteless. After multiple requests and a 20-minute wait for the bill, they left what they considered to be a reasonable amount for the ingredients, approximately ten euros.
They developed what they called "the code" to justify their actions. This code stipulated that they would always pay full price at quiet, family-run restaurants off the main tourist paths, pay for expensive dinners they genuinely enjoyed, and always ask for the bill at least twice, waiting 20 minutes before leaving. They would only leave an amount they believed reflected the cost of the ingredients if the service and pricing were deemed unsatisfactory.
By the end of their two-week holiday, the couple reported repeating this practice at five different establishments. They stated that the waiters never pursued them, despite their deliberate departure. The couple admitted that while they felt their actions were a response to poor hospitality, the experience also provided an "undeniable thrill."