Student flees top London restaurant, The Savoy, leaving $4000 bill

The architecture student clearly misread the price when he ordered a bottle of 2004 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, worth $3293. Photo / Getty Images

For many of us who've lived the student life, we know what it's like trying to juggle uni, part-time work and a social life. We also know the importance of trying to stick to a budget so we don't end up sick from a diet of two-minute noodles.

One young man clearly never learnt this lesson - he went to one of London's best restaurants and accumulated a $4038 bill he clearly could not afford.

According to The Sun, Yahya Egeh, 20, went to The Savoy in London, a five-star establishment, with £20 (NZD $37) in his pocket to celebrate his birthday.

Allegedly planning to treat himself to a burger with the money his mum had gifted him, he clearly misread the price when he ordered a bottle of 2004 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, worth $3293.

The Savoy is one of London's most luxurious hotels, home to one of the city's best restaurants. Photo / Getty Images

His expensive choice in wine has a label designed by the Prince of Wales and is praised by experts for its "fruity notes of black cherry, candied quince and licorice" - classy taste.

Egeh, an architecture student from Willesden Green in North-West London, chose the Savoy for his birthday meal after being convinced by a friend named "Tallulah", he said in court in Westminster.

But when Tallulah didn't join him for his birthday celebrations, as planned, Egeh was left in a "panic" and ended up dining alone, claimed his lawyer, Shaher Bukhari.

The restaurant bill for the food and wine, with premier Grand Cru status - given to wines of the most elite standard from Bordeaux - totalled $4038.

Egeh's attempt at a subtle sneak-out from the luxurious establishment failed when Savoy security staff stopped him and called the police.

The Sun reports that his lawyer told the court, "He apologised for what he did."

He also admitted his wrongdoing in court and will be sentenced next week after a probation report is completed.

While it remains unclear whether or not Egeh knew how much the wine cost when he ordered it, Egeh will likely be back to eating like a poor student for quite some time.