In a move that’s equal parts playful and strategic, Sexy Fish, the Caprice Holdings-owned restaurant famed for its opulent seafood and striking interiors, is asking guests to return its notorious fish-shaped chopstick holders—those little table accents that have become unexpected collector’s items (and kleptomaniac trophies) over the years.
The chopstick rests, each engraved with the cheeky phrase “Stolen from Sexy Fish” on the bottom, have quietly vanished from tables across Sexy Fish locations worldwide—including the flagship in London’s Berkeley Square, and outposts in Manchester, Miami, and Dubai. The astonishing tally? An estimated 558,000 holders “disappeared” since the restaurant’s opening.
Rather than fight this epidemic of sticky fingers, Sexy Fish is leaning into the mischief. As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, the restaurant has launched the Missing Fish Campaign, inviting patrons to “right their wrongs” by returning any previously pinched chopstick rests. In return, guests will be rewarded with a free cocktail from Sexy Fish’s special anniversary menu, X, which showcases 20 reimagined versions of its most iconic drinks—crafted for the modern palate.
Daniel Smith, Sexy Fish’s global managing director, told The Spirits Business:
“Since opening, these playful table details, branded with the cheeky message ‘Stolen from Sexy Fish’ have become cult objects, frequently taken home by guests and proudly posted on social media. Over the years, more than 558,000 have mysteriously ‘gone missing’.”
“Rather than fight it, we’ve decided to embrace the mischief. This campaign is a tongue-in-cheek way to invite our guests to return our beloved fish and experience the new X cocktail menu.”
The “no questions asked” campaign runs through August, giving would-be returners a guilt-free chance to drop off their “stolen” fish and enjoy one of the venue’s modern cocktail creations.
This lighthearted initiative comes amid broader revelations about bar thefts. A recent report highlighted that 83% of consumers admitted to stealing from bars or restaurants, and Sexy Fish’s chopstick holders were named as one of the most commonly purloined items.
Rumors have swirled that the engraving might be an ironic invitation to pocket the rests—a theory buoyed by social media chatter, including a viral TikTok suggesting the whole thing might be a savvy publicity stunt. Whether prank or prank-adjacent, Sexy Fish has turned the “missing fish” saga into a cheeky celebration of its 10-year legacy.
For more information or to make a reservation, head over to their official website.
