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A luxury restaurant famed for its attempts to crack down on Salt Bae has attacked ‘scumbag’ thieves after it was robbed for more than £5,000 worth of luxury meat, while police arrested a woman in connection.
Relentless Steak and Lobster House accused the Turkish chef of ‘taking the mick’ when he launched a gold-covered steak three years ago for £500 less than the Knightsbridge version of the internet phenomenon.
But now the restaurant itself has taken to social media to try to recover the quantity of Tomahawk steaks looted from its location in the Port Solent area of Portsmouth, Hants.
The meat – which is listed for £55 – was stolen between 11pm on Thursday evening and 5am on Friday evening.
It led to the eatery – owned by chef Scott Matthews – issuing an urgent appeal to the public for help with the steak intended for office Christmas parties and a christening.
Relentless Steak and Lobster House posted on social media following the theft after being robbed for more than £5,000 worth of luxury meat
The 24-carat tomahawks served at the Relentless Steak and Lobster House in Portsmouth, Hants in 2021
Upscale restaurant Relentless, famous for its efforts to crack down on Salt Bae, has caught the ‘bastard’ thieves
Relentless’ Facebook post read: ‘Urgent, we need you. We were burgled and over £5,000 worth of meat was stolen. Share now to make it too hot to resell.
“These are our Tomahawks and you can’t buy them anywhere, so when you see them you know they’re Relentless stock. This was our weekend and Christmas party stock that was stolen and prepared for office parties in November and a naming ceremony that was booked.”
In a later update, the restaurant posted: ‘Our Port Solent branch is open. And still trading we will not allow scumbags to kill the brand!!
Thank you to our suppliers for responding quickly to an emergency and providing us with meat so quickly to keep our business going.”
Following the appeal, Hampshire Police arrested a 44-year-old woman on suspicion of burglary, who has since been released while investigations continue.
However, the incident has sparked an online row between the restaurant and locals after it was suggested the theft must have been an ‘inside job’.
Portsmouth restaurateur George Madgwick commented on the post: ‘Scott, this MUST be an inside job buddy. Look from within. No normal customer would ever know or expect you to have this inventory value in stock. Absolutely no one in the industry would expect this either.
‘As you know, I have a restaurant, but I never have more than €500 worth of meat in stock, so I wouldn’t expect the same from others. This means that there is only one possible outcome: an inside job, someone who works within the company.
‘Port Solent also has cameras everywhere and night security, meaning whoever it was had to be aware of routes in and out, etc.
As terrible as it is to say: look within. Maybe they have a friend to do it etc. It’s the only logical answer.”
Mr Matthews responded: “We have noticed some hurtful comments online regarding the recent stolen meat incident.
In 2021, the restaurant launched 24-carat gold tomahawks, a short rib, served with two sauces, sides and triple-cooked truffle fries for £120
The incident has sparked an online row between the restaurant and locals after it was suggested the theft must have been an ‘inside job’.
‘As the owner of this small, independent business I tend to dismiss these comments, but it is disheartening for our dedicated team to read them, especially as we are one big family.
‘I have deep confidence in all my employees, with whom I work closely every day.
“It is daunting for an independent company like ours to face such challenges, especially in these uncertain times. I believe we will overcome this with the continued support of our loyal guests and the local community.
“Police have made arrests in connection with these recent issues, which gives us some hope.”
A police spokesperson said: ‘We are investigating a report of frozen meat stolen sometime between 11pm on Thursday, October 24 and 5am the following morning.
“As part of our investigation, we have arrested a 44-year-old woman from Portsmouth on suspicion of burglary. She has been released under investigation while our investigation continues.”
Anyone with information can call Relentless on 023 9232 4812 or call police on 101 quoting reference 22410251054.
Relentless Steak & Lobster prides itself on combining exceptional quality and unbeatable freshness. With our own fishing boats bringing in fresh lobsters and a company-owned farm providing the finest, ethically raised steak, no one can match our quality steaks.”
In 2021, it launched 24-carat gold tomahawks, a short rib, served with two sauces, sides and triple-cooked truffle fries for £120.
It followed Salt Bae – whose real name is Nusret Gökçe – opening a new joint called Nusr-Et in Knightsbridge, London, with the steak costing a whopping £630.
At the time, Mr Matthews said: ‘We saw Salt Bae’s restaurant and we thought they were taking the Mick there. That must be about £500 profit per steak for him.’