Break-ins at Bistro on the Quay Ipswich Waterfront

 <i>(Image: Lucy Taylor)</i>
(Image: Lucy Taylor)
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Owners of a restaurant in Ipswich said they are working hard to 'stay afloat' after customers fled without paying a £200 bill and a set of break-ins last year.

Bistro on the Quay, found on the Ipswich Waterfront have said that thefts at the restaurant have been "disheartening" as struggles in the hospitality industry continue.

CCTV shows footage of a pair entering the restaurant on Wednesday, April 1 before being directed to a table.

A pair racked up a £195 bill but left without paying (Image: Bistro on the Quay)

According to the owner of Bistro on the Quay, Julien Jourdain, the pair racked up a £195 before departing the restaurant without paying, which he described as a "clearly calculated act".

He said: "These two dined at our bistro yesterday and left without paying a £195 bill. They deliberately waited outside, pretending to vape, and ran off once they thought the coast was clear.

"This was clearly a calculated act.

Bistro on the QuayBistro on the Quay owner Julien Jourdain, pictured earlier this year (Image: Dan Laughlan)

"Like many small businesses, we are working incredibly hard to stay afloat, especially with rising costs, a recent break-in, and now this. Incidents like this are not just frustrating—they’re deeply disheartening.

"If anyone recognises these individuals or has any information, please get in touch with us directly."

As well as the dine and dashers, in late last year Bistro on the Quay suffered from two break-ins within a month of each other.

Suffolk Police confirmed that goods were stolen from a walk in fridge on November 4 and December 7, 2025.

A spokesman for police said no suspects have been identified and that the cases has been filed pending new information coming to light.

If anyone has information regarding the break-ins, they can contact Suffolk Police quoting 37/63671/25 and 37/69702/25 respectively.

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