Last Friday, a group of 29 girls from work went on a leaving party to a restaurant in Hove.

It had originally been booked for 30 but one was unable to attend and the manager was told on arrival, which was not a problem.

The meal was a set menu at £19.95 a person, for which a £5 deposit from everyone had been paid.

After the meal, I collected the balance from everyone, including a 10 per cent service charge.

When the bill arrived, the meal for the absent person had been added, as had 29 coffees, although only 15 had been ordered.

We collected more money for the coffees. The wine had been paid for separately.

The money was given to the waiter, less £10 deducted for the meal which had not been served.

The waiter returned saying the money was £30 short. I pointed out it had been counted and was correct when given to him.

He became aggressive when we refused to pay any more and we left.

The food was excellent and the evening had been pleasant until that point.

It is totally unacceptable that some restaurants take it upon themselves to fleece customers, especially in large groups.

-Mrs Angela Holmes, St Giles Close, Shoreham