Apology over bill message

A Lichfield restaurant has apologised after shocked diners discovered an abusive message on their bill - saying it was a private joke that went wrong.

A party were handed the bill containing the lewd message after a meal at Joe Delucci's steak house on Friday. They had complained after their meal took almost two hours to arrive.

The friends thought the message on their bill was a rude response from staff, but the Bird Street restaurant insisted it was a mistake.

According to staff the till allows front of house employees to type messages to kitchen staff. The note somehow ended up on the party's bill.

A spokesman for Joe Delucci's said: "We sincerely apologise for any offence caused. This was a private joke between two members of staff."

The restaurant has offered to donate the full cost of the meal to charity.