‘Cheeky’ influencer tries to blag free meal but ends up at police station

As the famous saying goes, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” – and one influencer recently found this out the hard way.

Four Legs – a pop-up restaurant operating at pub The Compton Arms in Islington received a message from a blogger asking for five takeaway meals in exchange for an advertisement on their Instagram Stories.

The influencer approached the restaurant over Direct Message, explaining how they were looking for a takeaway for them and their bubble, in return for a post.

They also offered to return to the pub, once it has reopened, and potentially share a photo of their food on their Instagram feed if it could “blend.”

But they ended up being directed to a police station after the request to the chef duo backfired.

The exchange of messages was shared on Instagram by Four Legs, with the caption: “Been reading a lot about the peasant’s revolt recently. Inspiring stuff.”

The influencer wrote: “I am reaching out to ask if it would be possible to have a takeaway and in exchange for this I’ll be happy to advertise you via my Instagram stories alongside a swipe up link if you have a website to direct my followers to your website in the hope of it leading to an order.”

In another message, they asked if they could order food for their bubble alongside them – making a total of five meals.

Appearing to go along with it, Four Legs replied: “That’s quite a lot of food, if you could do a couple of posts then we can do it – you’ve got a lot of followers.”

They directed the influencer to head over for half six, adding: “Thanks very much man, it’s really appreciated.”

Appearing a bit lost, the influencer wrote back: “Walked past NHS. I see 2 police vans. Past Sainsbury’s.”

Four Legs replied: “Yeah it’s that end, head up there, let me know when you see the police station,” which the influencer duly did.

But he swiftly realised he wasn’t getting a takeaway as the chef team replied: “Magic – go in there and report yourself for crimes against the hospitality industry.”

The message exchange was shared on Instagram, where it racked up thousands of likes.

Food critic Marina O’Loughlin commented: “Absolutely KILLER.”