British man skips out on hotel bar tabs on month-long crime spree

Apparently, Washington's most expensive establishments began to wise up to Mr Cooper's racket after a picture of him was circulated between hotels and bars. Photo / Facebook

A British man has been arrested after racking up eye-watering bar tabs at five-star hotels in Washington DC — before doing a runner.

Nick Cooper, 21, was finally caught after a month-long scam spree.

According to Metro, his most recent offence involved ordering a $1647 glass of 34-year-old Teeling Irish single malt whiskey — a drink so pricey, it is kept under lock and key.

However, the young man has been arrested six times in the past month for drunkenness as well as scamming exclusive hotels.

According to The Sun, on March 13, he allegedly spent $91 at the Willard Intercontinental by using a fake name.

Later that day he tried to pay another tab at Washington's oldest dining saloon, the Old Ebbitt Grill, with a credit card that had expired.

He was also arrested last month after trying to pin another tab — which included a $136 bottle of Moet, a $200 bottle of cabernet sauvignon, and a meal of lamb and octopus — on a fellow diner at the up-market Ritz-Carlton.

Police have also found him semiconscious in two different hotel bathrooms.

According to The Sun, Mr Cooper was able to order such pricey food and drink as he convinced staff he lived a life of luxury in London's upper-crust Kensington — however, he is believed to be from Birkenhead in Merseyside.

The publication reports a witness saw Mr Cooper's scam in action.

"It was amusing watching him drink expensive drink after expensive drink. He appeared knowledgeable," witness Michael Bishop said.

Apparently, Washington's most expensive establishments began to wise up to Mr Cooper's racket after a picture of him was circulated between hotels and bars.

It is not known whether Mr Cooper is a tourist or if he lives in the US capital.

According to court documents, Mr Cooper allegedly asked officers to shoot him after he was arrested.

He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree theft.