Couple who were accused of doing runner from three restaurants said their holiday was 'ruined'

A British couple who have been accused of doing a runner from three restaurants have said their holiday was 'ruined'.

Last month, Angela and Ian McKie, from Liverpool, were away in Koutouloufari, Crete, where they were called out by restaurant staff for allegedly not paying the bill.

A member of staff at the Ariadni restaurant posted a photo of the duo on Facebook, alongside the caption: "Keep an eye on this couple. After finishing their meal, they refuse to pay the bill.

"We are third restaurant so far where they have tried this tactic.

"It's good restaurant owners in the village communicate with each other so we know what to expect."

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However, Angela and Ian McKie have vehemently denied the claims.

They suggested that on 30 August, they told one restaurant employee they did not want to pay €12 (£10) for an 'overcooked' chicken dish, but still paid the full bill.

Angela, 54, told the Liverpool Echo: "We ordered two starters and two main meals. Ian had the spaghetti Bolognese which was fine. I had the chicken souvlaki, it was overcooked and the chips were raw.

"I complained to the waitress but she just smirked. We asked for the bill but said we wouldn't be paying for the chicken, which was €12. The manager then said we should've complained earlier, which we did do."

Following an argument with staff, Angela added: We were terrified. Someone shouted f**k off back to England.

"We're constantly trying to defend ourselves - there have been vile comments about us that aren't the truth. I'm not being branded a thief. It ruined the holiday."

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Last week, Ian told the MailOnline: “What we are being accused of is simply not true. It is a little village with one road of shops, bars and tavernas.

“It would be impossible to leave one restaurant without paying, never mind three because everyone knows each other.

"We were flying home the next day and they'd have never let us on the flight. There is not one ounce of truth in what they are claiming.”

Ian went on to say the food that the couple initially refused to pay for was only his meal at €12, though he was left 'panicked' when the manager allegedly said they should go to prison.

"As soon as he mentioned the police, I started to panic," Ian said.

"We didn't want to get into trouble with the police so paid the bill in full (€52). We were not refusing to pay the entire bill, it was the €12 for my meal."

Tyla has contacted local police and Ariadni for comment.