A Yorkshire takeaway boss has made headlines this week after turning detective in a bid to outsmart a cheeky customer who tried to get their meal for free.
Faced with a fraudulent diner who claimed their meal had not been delivered, the owner of York takeaway EborCibus Pizza decided to take matters into his own hands to prove their claim was false.
Connor Calland had been contacted by Deliveroo on February 17 to be told a customer had complained that their meal - ordered two days prior at a cost of £23.49 - had never been delivered.
Image: EborCibus Pizza
However, Mr Calland was told by his staff that the order, which consisted of a 12-inch ‘Solar Goat Pig’ pizza with mozzarella dippers and buffalo blue chicken loaded fries, had indeed been sent out
Determined to get to the bottom of the matter, he decided to get involved by visiting the customer's address and rifling through their bins for evidence.
But it doesn't end there. Having discovered his 'proof' in the form of containers covered in buffalo sauce in the bins outside, he boldly knocked on the door and demanded a written apology of 'no less' than 750 words.
Despite being told by a housemate that the customer was not in when he knocked, soon after demanding his apology Mr Calland received a grovelling email blaming ‘peer pressure’.
Taking to Facebook to share details of the incident, Mr Calland explained that these fraudulent claims cost his independent York business between £50 and £150 a week.
However, he has since said that after rifling through the bins he hasn't had any more fraudulent refund requests.
The independent York eatery specialise in Detroit and New York-style pizzas, as well as serving a range of different burgers, fried chicken and loaded, dirty fries.
Launched just before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the UK into lockdown in March 2020, the business has been through some trials and tribulations - initially setting up at the Jolly Sailor in Cawood before moving to spin their dough at The Crooked Tap.
Not long afterward, the hospitality industry was forced to close - giving EborCibus Pizza the choice of adapting or giving up.
Switching to a delivery service, they found a kitchen at The Knavesmire pub that summer. Eighteen months later, they've now secured a permanent home in The Mount at York and host regular pop-ups at Crooked.
Fraudulent claims of undelivered orders such as this, termed 'fake refunds', cost businesses hundreds of pounds every year and appear to have grown in frequency since lockdown.
To follow EborCibus Pizza and see more of its delicious-looking food, check the eatery out on Instagram here.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Much loved Leeds restaurant serving authentic hand-pulled noodles closes suddenly
Clementine Hall
After quietly serving some of the city's best hand-pulled noodles for years, Noodlesta has closed its Leeds restaurant.
Located opposite the University of Leeds on Blenheim Terrace, Noodlesta built a loyal following thanks to its fresh, hand-pulled noodles, rich broths and no-frills approach to dining.
For students, office workers and serious noodle fans alike, it became a go-to spot for comforting bowls packed with flavour.
But unfortunately, Noodlesta has closed its doors for good with an alcohol license for another venture being plastered on the windows.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The restaurant first opened in Leeds in 2019 and quickly earned a reputation for serving some of the city's most authentic Chinese hand-pulled noodles.
The braised beef brisket noodles and the tomato with egg thin noodles were some of the best we’ve had in Leeds, and at around £12 a bowl it was brilliant value for money.
No official reason for the closure has yet been confirmed, although the news comes at a time when hospitality businesses across the UK continue to face rising operating costs and challenging trading conditions.
For Leeds food lovers, Noodlesta's closure marks the end of a dining experience that was difficult to find anywhere else in the city.
Its handmade noodles and authentic flavours will be missed by many who considered it one of Leeds' hidden culinary gems. We wish them all the best in the future.
Georgina Pellant -
26th May 2022 
