A "photo finish" cost a Co Dublin Chinese restaurant thousands of pounds in costs yesterday in a court conflict with millionaire racehorse-owner Mr Tom Doran. The dispute concerned the bill for a party to celebrate his horse, Dorans Pride, winning the Hennessey Gold Cup.
The Circuit Court president, Mr Justice Esmond Smythe, held that a photograph of guests satisfied him the table wine served was not the £29.50 Chablis Premier Cru charged on the bill by Ping's of Stillorgan.
The restaurant was appealing the District Court dismissal of its case.
He also accepted a count of empty bottles by gardai, called when Mr Doran disputed a £3,300 bill, revealed only 22 bottles of mixed wines, including a cheaper Chablis.
Mr Doran said he took 52 guests to Ping's. He had been charged a full dinner menu for 76, and for 35 bottles of Chablis Premier Cru. No Chablis Premier Cru had been served. He and other guests got only spare ribs, spring rolls and fried rice. His bill had been discounted by £500 and he left, offering £1,800 in settlement, which was refused.
Mr Justice Smythe felt guests had been served a compromise selection well below the usual high standard provided by Ping's and other Chinese restaurants. He awarded the restaurant a decree for £1,500 for food and wine.
Because Mr Doran had lodged £1,800 before proceedings, he awarded costs, estimated to run to almost £4,000, against Ping's.
Ping's own costs could bring its overall costs bill to more than £6,000.
