James Martin slammed hotel ‘experience’ costing up to £1,400
James Martin has been criticized for charging more than £1,400 per couple to stay in his ‘overpriced’ hotel.
The celebrity chef, who is worth a whopping £3.6 million, is offering an exclusive experience in partnership with The Lygon Arms in The Cotswolds,
Included in the price is a two night stay, breakfast and afternoon tea.
Guests also get a £65 credit per person at his Grill restaurant on site, but the menu at the eatery is also pricey.
Starters such as a classic prawn cocktail or a green garden salad range from £12 to £18.
James Martin, pictured during a cooking segment on This Morning, has been criticized for charging a whopping £1,400 per couple to stay at his ‘overpriced’ hotel in The Cotswolds
Customers opting for the Courtyard Open Plan Suite pay £1,400 for a two night stay which includes breakfast, afternoon tea and £65 each for dinner
Main courses include Moules-Frites and Filet Steak ranging from £26 to £38.
Sharing platters range from £86 to £95, sides are priced from £6 to £9.
And puddings range from £10 to £16 with options such as Sticky Toffee Pudding or cheese.
This would suggest that the £65 dinner allocation is unlikely to cover costs, forcing diners to spend even more money for this experience.
Guests can also use the spa and receive a free gift at the end of their stay.
But the experience costs £782 for two people in the cheapest room option – the Annex Cozy Double.
The celebrity chef, who is worth a whopping £3.6 million, is offering an exclusive experience in partnership with The Lygon Arms in The Cotswolds
Prices for a starter at The Grill restaurant range from £12 to £18. Guests will each receive a £65 credit towards their meal
One of the more expensive main courses is moules fries, which costs £28
The most expensive steak on the menu costs £38, and diners will have to pay extra for chips and sauce
However, it shoots up to £1,422 for a stay in the Courtyard Open Plan Suite.
On the website, the description read: ‘Experience our new partnership with James Martin at The Lygon Arms first hand and enjoy a relaxing stay with us for two nights including a hearty breakfast on both days.
‘Taste James’ expertly curated new menu in our new restaurant, Grill, one evening during your stay, and also join us for a scrumptious afternoon tea designed by James.
“You’ll also get a special James Martin keepsake to take home.”
The experience costs £782 for two people in the cheapest room option – the Annex Cozy Double
Many customers have berated Martin, famous for his presence on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, for his outrageous prices at The Lygon Arms.
Susan Betley claimed ‘The worst bar in England, avoid at all costs as it costs a fortune.
‘James Martin’s bar at the Lygon Arms on Broadway. Overpriced and absolutely awful.’
Charlie James agreed, adding, “We had lunch at the James Martin Grill. Very disappointed.
‘Very slow and disjointed service, we were a party of eight. Our drinks took over an hour.
“I’m afraid that if you outsource a franchise to a celebrity chef, you immediately downgrade your ambitions.
While some people were happy with their experience, others were critical of one calling it the ‘worst bar in England’
‘Such a pity for such a fine historic establishment.’
Jules Bonser said, ‘I’ve reserved a table at the tavern.
‘As this establishment was headed by James Martin, my friends and I were very disappointed with the service and quality of the food.
“In my opinion, serious thought needs to be given to the customer experience they are trying to achieve.”
Neil Ibbetson claimed: ‘Very disappointing. Table of eight for Sunday lunch.
‘Service very poor until a complaint was made but then the damage was done. Will not return or recommend.
‘Probably costing them over £1000, as if the experience was a positive one, I’d booked accommodation for a long weekend.
“Too many other very good restaurants/accommodations available to give those who initially disappoint a second chance.”
Still, some customers have enjoyed it.
David Harley said, “Great menu. Good service. Recommended.’
General Manager of The Lygon Arms, Graeme Nesbitt, said: ‘Our new partnership with James Martin at The Lygon Arms has been well received and the vast majority of the 17,000 guests we have served since our launch in January are absolutely thrilled with the new offer. in both Grill and Tavern.
“As with any new venture, we have inevitably experienced a few teething problems and growing pains, but whenever we have knowingly dropped a ball, we have reacted proactively and promptly to make it right.
“We continue to strive to exceed the expectations of all our guests.”