A Sydney restaurant has publicly shared security footage of a family allegedly attempting to defraud the establishment by falsely claiming a hair was found in their meal. Pony Dining, located in the historic Rocks district, posted the video to Instagram on Thursday, sparking widespread outrage and a police investigation.
The footage shows a man at a table with his family appearing to deliberately place hairs onto a plate of food. According to Pony Dining, the family of six ordered a substantial meal, including a Tomahawk steak, and then refused to pay the bill after alleging the presence of a hair. “During the interaction, our team likewise experienced inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour,” the restaurant stated in its social media post.
Pony Dining confirmed to news outlets that they contacted police after the incident. While officers initially responded, they determined it was a civil matter due to the lack of video evidence at the time. The family reportedly paid for their drinks before leaving the restaurant. “We called the police yet at that time we didn’t have the footage so police advised it was a civil problem and nothing they can do at that stage. So they paid for drinks then left,” Pony Dining said.
The restaurant, known for its wood-fire grilled cuisine and premium steaks, has been operating in The Rocks since 2006 and is considered a pioneer of wood-fire cooking in Sydney, according to its website and multiple online reviews. The Rocks is a harbourside area known for its historic buildings and vibrant dining scene. Pony Dining’s menu features dry-aged beef and fresh seafood, with prices varying depending on the cut and preparation.
The Instagram post quickly went viral, generating a flood of comments condemning the family’s actions. Many commenters expressed support for the restaurant and its staff, with some sharing similar experiences of dishonest customers. “Yep!! We see it in our restaurant!! Customers are NOT always right nor nice… This is repulsive,” one commenter wrote.
Pony Dining stated they have now formally reported the incident to police, providing the security footage as evidence. Authorities are currently seeking to identify and locate the individuals involved. The restaurant added that it shared the video to “raise awareness for fellow hospitality venues” and to empower staff to protect themselves from similar situations. “We understand this isn’t pleasant to watch. We appreciate the kind messages and support for our team. Hospitality can be tough, and we hope all venues feel empowered to protect their teams,” the restaurant said.
As of Friday, February 13, 2026, the police investigation remains ongoing.
