A pubgoer who said they took a mug without paying for it from Hamilton’s “oldest licensed establishment” more than half a century ago sent $10 last month to cover the cost.

The money arrived at the Hog Penny Restaurant and Pub yesterday – 52 years after the College Weeks customer apparently pilfered the memento.

A photograph posted to the business’s Facebook page showed a handwritten note dated September 2022.

Addressed to the manager, the message said: “Please accept this $10 as payment for a Hog Penny mug I took home with me as a souvenir in 1970 when I was in Bermuda on spring break.

“I’m sorry I didn’t try to pay for the mug at the time.

“Sincerely, a prior pub patron.”

Pictured next to the note was a US $10 bill.

US college students flocked to Bermuda from the 1950s to the 1980s for College Weeks in March and April when college students enjoyed sun and fun on their annual spring break.

A comment from the Hog Penny said: “We are not sure what, after 52 years, made “A prior Pub Patron” feel enough remorse to chuck this apology in the mail all the way from Phoenix, Arizona, but well played.

“Apology fully accepted.”

The Hog Penny, part of the Island Restaurant Group, opened in 1957.

Its website said it was “Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment”.

Philip Barnett, the IRG president, told The Royal Gazette last night: “You read between the lines — whether it’s been weighing on their conscience for their entire life or whether it’s just something that they perhaps want to remember, that amazing year in 1970 when they were here on their College Weeks, may have had some fantastic memories and great reflections and just want to make everything right — who knows?

“It was a very meaningful gesture though, we have to admit.”

Mr Barnett confirmed that the note did not include a name or contact details for the sender, with the only detail being a Phoenix, Arizona postage stamp.

Asked what would happen to the $10, he said: “We are going to frame it.

“It’s pretty meaningful, and particularly the Hog Penny, because we have such incredible history dating back to 1957, this is part of our history. This is part of our character.

“These are our guests, our customers, generations of people have come through the Hog Penny.

“It’s not a beautiful story when someone nicks something from you but it turns out to be a beautiful story when they tell you 52 years later, ‘I just need to make this right’.”