Poisoning hoaxer tries again

A second restaurant group has reported fake food-poisoning claims - from the same person who tried to swindle Langan's Brasserie and Odin's in London earlier this year (Caterer, 27 March).

Nando's, the chicken chain, received the letters, in which the claimant demanded compensation after allegedly suffering food poisoning at its Bayswater, London, branch. The letter was worded in the same way and gave the same east London address as the earlier letters.

Andrea Ambler, technical manager for Nando's, said it was clear the claim was false, although it was investigated according to the company's regulations. The letter claimed the restaurant refused to take money off when the bill was presented - but, as Ambler pointed out, food at Nando's is paid for at the counter.

If you have received similar letters, please e-mail dan.bignold@rbi.co.uk