Renowned Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has found himself in hot water recently, as a furious customer took to social media to criticize his upscale eatery, Kerridge’s Fish and Chips, for serving what was deemed a “bland” and “average” plate of fish and chips. This controversy has sparked public outrage, shining a light on the high prices charged by top-tier restaurants.

A Controversial Dish

The meal in question, priced at £37, was served at Kerridge’s Fish and Chips, located within the luxurious Harrods department store in London. Harrods is known for its extravagance, where a plate of Cornish brill with chips can set diners back a staggering £52, and lobster can cost up to £80.

A Dissatisfied Customer

The dissatisfaction came to light when customer Rob Boyd posted a photo of his underwhelming dish on Twitter, accompanied by a scathing review. Boyd expressed his disappointment, stating, “THIRTY SEVEN POUNDS for this bland plate of fish & chips at Tom Kerridge’s in Harrods. NINE chips. NINE.” His tweet quickly went viral, attracting the attention of over two million people within days.

Public Outcry

The image of the rather meager portion of fish and chips sparked a flurry of criticism. One disgruntled individual exclaimed, “Frigging disgrace! Fine dining taking the royal p***.” Others described the fish as ‘oddly flat, almost processed,’ and one person simply stated, ‘What a bloody rip-off.’ However, amidst the negative feedback, some found humor in the situation.

Quality Comes at a Price

This is not the first time that Tom Kerridge has faced criticism for the prices of his dishes. Previously, he received backlash for selling £87 steak dinners and a £60 ready-made fish pie. In his defense, Kerridge has emphasized the quality of his offerings, stating, ‘This Market Day Fish is made with my light and crisp, gluten-free batter and served with triple-cooked chips. It includes Matson curry sauce, tartare sauce, and pease pudding.’

A Wider Issue

The controversy surrounding the £37 fish and chips plate at Kerridge’s upscale restaurant sheds light on the pricing disparities in the restaurant industry and raises questions about the value of upscale dining experiences. Additionally, it indicates the challenges faced by chip shops across the UK due to rising energy costs and supply shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In conclusion, the criticism faced by Tom Kerridge’s Michelin-starred fish and chips brings attention to the pricing controversies within the restaurant industry and highlights the hardships that chip shops are currently facing in the UK.