Tom Kerridge has spoken out about the reasons behind the substantial price of fish and chips at his London eatery, amidst scrutiny over the cost of this British classic at Kerridge’s Fish and Chips in Harrods.
The Michelin-starred chef has faced criticism for the steep prices of the dish, which currently stands at an eye-watering £37 for the ‘Market Day Fish’, a dish featuring a rotating selection of fish caught from day boats off the Cornish coast, as per the restaurant’s menu.
Defending his pricing, the star of The Great British Menu insists that the offering at his establishment is a far cry from the typical fish and chip shops of his youth and the “frozen blocks of fish” diners might usually encounter.
In a candid interview with The Times Magazine, Tom justified the cost: “Do the people who shout about the price of my fish and chips [£37] also shout at Ferrari when it launches a new car? If you’re getting the best you can get, that’s how much it is.”
He elaborated on the quality difference, saying: “It’s very different from a fish and chip shop like where I grew up. Frozen blocks of fish, which are sometimes shipped to China to be processed, are different from fish caught by a guy who has been on a boat throughout the night.”, reports the Express.
The ‘Market Day Fish’ is described as an “ever-changing fish, caught from day boats in Cornwall”
(Image: (Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images))
Beyond the signature fish and chips, guests at Kerridge’s can indulge in a variety of sandwiches, including the £27 fish finger sandwich, Grilled Shrimp Rolls priced at £27, or opt for a Pea Fritter Bap for £25.
Other options for the main course at this establishment feature a variety of deep-fried seafood delicacies, which include Cornish brill priced at £52, Monkfish ‘scampi’ at £42, breaded hand-dived scallops up for grabs at £44 and a whole lobster that can be enjoyed for £80.
In September 2024, it was reported that food enthusiast James Dimitri made his way to the much-talked-about eatery to try their fish and chips as a part of his exploration about what he described as the ‘tourist traps’ of London.
He remarked on the batter’s pleasing crunch and the seemingly fresh quality of the fish, though he noted that his serving was marred by water leaking onto his plate.
The restaurant has also landed praise and secured an 8.7 out of 10 rating on The Fork
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Dimitri concluded his critique with a candid assessment: “Was it worth it? No,” he pronounced. “It’s got 3.3 stars on Google for good reason.”
Still, compliments have been earned by the restaurant, with one notable recognition being an impressive 8.7 out of 10 score from The Fork alongside other glowing reviews.
One such enthusiastic feedback declared: “The fish and chips were excellent. Our waiter was so accommodating and made sure everything was perfect for our experience.”