Conran smokes out thieves

Sir Terence Conran's restaurant Quaglino's is celebrating its 10th anniversary by offering diners free champagne in return for handing back their stolen ashtrays.

Exasperated management at the West End restaurant announced the ashtray amnesty after a total of 25,000 of the Q-shaped ashtrays went missing. On average, about 50 ashtrays have been "stolen" every week. In one case, two customers created a scene when the cost was added to their bill.

The restaurant has told diners no questions will be asked on the return of the ashtrays if they have been "inadvertently allowed" to "slip into your pockets". As well as a free glass of champagne, Quaglino's will make a £1 donation to the Elton John Aids Foundation.

To commemorate the anniversary customers can also buy the Conran-designed ashtray for £10, rising to £15 each for a gold-dipped limited edition of 2,000 with an engraving. The restaurant is not the first to offer an amnesty on stolen items. The Ritz once offered two nights in one of its suites, dinner for two and champagne breakfast for any guests who handed back their unique chamber pots.