Tom Kerridge defends charging £35 for fish and chips

While a portion of fish and chips will cost you an arm and a leg at Tom Kerridge’s restaurant, the TV chef has come out in defense of his prices.

The 49-year-old restaurateur and Michelin-starred chef received the ire of the internet earlier this year when it was revealed he was asking diners to for out £35 for the staple British dish.

Kerridge’s version of the classic British dish is available at the Harrods store in London and after sharing an Instagram video promoting it, people were outraged.

For the price, customers get battered fish, chips, curry sauce, tartar sauce and peas pudding. Despite the luxury price tag, Kerridge has defended the cost and explained why fish and chips needed an upgrade.

“I’ve learnt to deal with it,” he told Radio Times regarding the backlash he received online.

“I’m seen as a man of the people, so when I put fish and chips on for £35, they shout at me for it being expensive.

“But the people criticising me don’t understand how it’s priced,” he continued, before explaining how the humble fish and chips actually ends up at your local chippy for low prices.

@cheftomkerridge/Instagram

“Fish and chips was always seen as cheap, fast food and I get that because of where I grew up.” he said.

Kerridge was born in Salisbury and lived in several estates in Gloucester.

“The fish in most chippies in frozen at sea, in a big block, a year ago, then cut up and portioned.

“The potatoes are maybe four weeks old, have gone through a chipper, bean cleaned and put into cheap oil. They’re wrapped in paper, with malt vinegar and salt.

“I love it, but at Harrods it’s line-caught, day-boat turbot. The potatoes are specifically sourced for their sugar and starch content, then individually cut up by a person.

"It’s bespoke dining in the most exclusive and beautiful shop in the world. Of course it’s expensive.”

BBC

Back in June this year, Kerridge promoted his posh fish and chips in an Instagram post which he captioned: “This Market Day Fish is made with my light and crisp, gluten-free batter, served with triple-cooked chips.”

And social media critics were not impressed with the price, with one responding to the post with: “Or just go to the chip shop and pay a fiver.”

Another outraged Instagram user: "Ridiculous price to charge. especially with cost of living crisis. shame on them!!!"

Similarly, one Instagram user complained: "The whole of the UK is in a shambles financially... But £35 for a scrawny bit of fish and 7/8 chips is fine... Oh and the thimbles of sauce."

Another disappointed person said: "£35 for market day fish. £8.50 for chips, thats over a quid a chip! No wonder he can afford to go to Monaco for the grand prix!"