Michelin star celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has defended the pricing of an £87 sirloin steak in one of his pubs in Marlow.
The Hand and Flowers is the only pub in the UK to receive two Michelin stars, but has been criticised for its prices.
Kerridge responded to the criticism by suggesting just because something is unpretentious it doesn't mean it is cheap.
Magazine editor Guy Woodward quoted the website of the Buckinghamshire pub and tweeted: "Website of The Hand and Flowers by Tom Kerridge.
"'Unpretentious', 'proper pub', 'for everyone to enjoy' 'relaxed and accessible'."
But he added: "Steak and chips £87, side of cabbage, £7.50, crème brulee: £26.50.
"And people complain about wine list mark-ups."
But Kerridge stepped in to defend the prices, saying costs are high because he pays his staff a decent wage.
He said: "Those prices include everything, VAT and service. No additional service charge at all.
"Also I pay staff properly and treat their job as a professional career.
"Perhaps the real cost of dining should be addressed. Unpretentious does not mean cheap.
"Those prices include everything , vat and service. No additional service charge at all. Also I pay staff properly and treat their job as a professional career.
"Perhaps the real cost of dining should be addressed. Unpretentious does not mean cheap. Also, why is profit a bad word?"
The £87 steak isn't the only pricey item on the menu as the lamb main is £69 and a spiced venison loin is £60 and a side of cabbage is £7.50.
A smoked salmon dish priced at £42.50 is the most expensive starter, and all the desserts are £26.50.
It is not the first time the celebrity chef has been criticised for steep prices, as one of his restaurants serves Britain's most expensive fish and chips, costing an eye-watering £32.50.
Served with just seven chips, delicately sprinkled with herb garnish and accompanied by chunky tartare, peas pudding and curry sauce, this fish and chip meal is now served at the five-star Corinthia hotel in London.
In 2020, Kerridge sold pre-made Christmas dinner hampers for £350 with £30 delivery - but customers still needed to spend 90 minutes cooking themselves.
The boxes fed between 4-6 people and consisted of turkey, beef or venison with cranberry, chestnut and sage stuffing.
That was accompanied by cauliflower cheese hand and flowers carrots, honey glazed parsnips and crispy roast potatoes.
The yuletide spread also came with sprouts cooked in sage brown butter and topped with chestnuts and lardons, pigs in blankets, roast turkey and bread sauces.
