Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has once again defended the price of his menu at The Hand and Flowers at a time when people are struggling to buy food during the cost of living crisis.

The owner of the Marlow restuarant already faced backlash in September last year when people criticised the price of his £87 steak and chips.

The local chef responded by saying "cheap food means cheap labour" with his prices reflect in the way he pays his staff "properly".

In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Tom Kerridge has gone on to further justify the cost of his menu.

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He claimed 'successful people' should not feel guilty for 'making good money' as it will not end child food poverty.

Kerridge has continued to defend the decision to sell expensive meals at a time when families worry whether they'll be able to afford to have food on the table.

He told The Times people should not be 'punished' for 'making good money' adding that 'you don't help to feed children by making successful people ashamed because I am one of those people'.

As the cost of living continues to surge, struggling households are having to take drastic measures to keep their finances in check.

It comes as shopping bills have surged at the fastest rate since 2008, with the average house's grocery bill jumping by £533. 

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A starter at the Hand and Flowers of Duck Liver Parfait with Orange Chutney and Toasted Brioche costs £31.50 and a 30 Day Dry Aged Fillet of beef is priced at £85.

The menu also displays how desserts are priced at £26.50, which includes Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Selection of Cheeses or a Strawberry & Salted Biscuit Soufflé.

In September 2021, the BFP previously reported residents astonishing reactions to the Hand and Flowers menu.

William Kirkpatrick said: “I don’t care how good the steak and chips are, £87 is out of order." and similarly, Nick Paolozzi said at the time how the price of a steak is "a day's wages for some people."

The Michelin-star restaurant owner teamed up with Manchester United footballer and food-poverty hero Marcus Rashford during the pandemic to help families provide healthy, cheap and filling meals.

The Full Time Meals campaign, launched in April 2021, aims to end child food poverty by sharing recipes that are accessible and easy to cook.

He told The Times: "A hundred per cent it makes me angry there are more food banks than branches of McDonald's in this country.

'But I also think: never punish people who are making money, who have achieved a great lifestyle."

To view the menu yourself click here.