David was looking at buying the then Felix cafe to start up a new restaurant called Eat, and discussions ensured about going into a joint venture. Loudeac said he recalled the idea of a 50:50 partnership being raised, but no details were discussed at the time. In August Loudeac resigned from Hippopotamus to work for Eat. He started interviewing staff but a week before opening, he said matters were still unclear. With no supplier account, he put the cost of ingredients and plates for pre-opening meals on his own business account. 123rf Loudeac said an email outlining his dismissal was “soul destroying”.