Robert Irwin issues apology to restaurant after 'terrible' behaviour

Robert Irwin has delivered a sincere apology to an Australian restaurantafter committing an act that left him feeling "terrible". The 21-year-old wildlife expert, son of the legendary Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, posted an Instagram video this week addressing the proprietors of The Jetty Pavilion in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to publicly apologise for his behaviour following a weekend meal there.

In the clip, Robert revealed he had been approached by diners and staff members who "wanted to have a photo" whilst waiting for his meal, and confessed the situation "turned into a bit of a frenzy". He was subsequently given his salad and departed, only discovering the following day that he hadn't settled his bill.

He said: "I went in there, and there were a lot of people who, you know, saw me and said g'day, and wanted to have a photo. But it turned into a bit of a frenzy ... It was a bit of a flurry there for a moment.

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"They were so nice, and they got the salad done super fast. I made sure I said hi to absolutely everyone, [and said] 'Cheers, thanks so much, have a good night, see ya later.'

"Then the next morning, I wake up and realise I never paid for my salad! I just did the old dine and dash and didn't even realise it. I felt terrible."

The presenter of the Australian version of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! continued by explaining he contacted the restaurant immediately upon realising his error and volunteered to provide his card details to settle the outstanding amount.

However, the eatery had a succinct eight-word reply: "Don't worry, just leave us a good review."

Robert went on to say: "I said, 'I'll do you one better!' There are eight million of you guys on here [Instagram]. Go and support the Jetty Pavilion. They are the absolute best."

He also added: "I apologise again. Today is not the day I start my life of crime, as much as the tabloids would love that, it's not happening. Cheers everyone. Love you, Coffs Harbour."

The Jetty Pavilion later responded to Robert's video on their official Instagram account, disclosing that the salad he ordered was the Harvest Bowl, which is priced at $26 AUD ($17 USD).

They even replied directly to Robert's Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his endorsement and hinting at their intention to rename the salad in his honour.

Their message read: "Thank you soooo much for visiting our venue we're honestly blown away. Being from a humble little coastal town, it means the world to us to have you stop by.

"We're all huge fans and truly appreciate the shoutout. We can only imagine how hard it must be to enjoy a quiet meal without being bombarded, so thank you again for choosing us, and no stress about missing the payment! We'd absolutely love to have you back anytime ... we might even have to name a salad after you."

Owners Kyle Miller and Ben Hemsworth also appeared on Today this week to discuss the amusing incident, where they made it clear they hold no grudge against Robert for the oversight.

Hemsworth shared his astonishment, saying: "Unbelievable [exposure]. I was a bit in shock. I was expecting just to see 'Jetty Pavilion has a great salad' on a Google review, and then I got a message from my daughter saying, 'Oh my god, I saw the video!' And my phone just lit up."