A small family-run cafe in Saddleworth has announced a change after suffering a rise in 'dine and dash' customers.

The Hidden Garden cafe on High Street, Uppermill, has claimed some of its customers are ordering "and then leaving without paying".

The cafe, which sits by the side of the canal in a 'hidden' garden spot, also said those failing to pay for their food is "starting to be a regular occurrence". 

Addressing the problem, the cafe said it will now ask customers to pay upfront.

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In a post on social media, the Hidden Garden said: "We have tried to run the cafe as relaxed and open as we can but it's now impacting us financially.

"We have bills to pay, rent to pay and a family to feed.

"It's difficult as it is without people coming in, eating/drinking and then leaving without paying their bill."

The cafe revealed its latest 'dine and dash' incident occurred on Sunday (June 18) and despite having the individuals on CCTV, it said it will "draw a line under it" and instead "change how we operate so this doesn't continue".

It also said it had food vendors working in the cafe at the time.

"So it's two small businesses that have been impacted.

"Sorry to everyone else that pays their bills but this is something we have to do", the cafe added.

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