Rat ruins Wetherspoon pub meal by 'running up man's leg and stealing a chip'
'I can't stand rats and you never expect that kind of thing in a restaurant'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A "sewer-sized" rat interrupted a couple's pub lunch by reportedly climbing up the man's leg and stealing a chip.
The alleged incident occurred while Reece Combs was eating with girlfriend Lucy Wrenn at the Albany Palace, a JD Wetherspoon pub in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Mr Coombs said: "It felt like somebody had kicked me, then a rat ran up my leg and took the chip out of my hand and bolted.
"I thought, 'that rat has some serious confidence'.
"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I can't stand rats and you never expect that kind of thing in a restaurant."
After he informed staff of the rodent's unwanted visit, customers were asked to leave while pest controllers dealt with the situation, according to the BBC.
The pub reopened 30 minutes later after two rats were caught.
The couple were given a full refund but Mr Coombs says he plans to take the matter further.
A JD Wetherspoon spokesman said they could not confirm the rat ran up Mr Coombs leg, stating they were "aware that a rat took a chip which had fallen on the floor from a customer's meal"
The spokesman added: "We are not sure how the rats came into the pub, however there has been some fly tipping in the alley at the rear of the pub and this might have been a factor.
"We aim to uphold the highest standards in our pubs at all times and apologise to customers for this situation."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments