The George Hotel and Beach Club on the Isle of Wight has faced backlash after a menu item stated that removing or adding an ingredient would cost £2. This meant a plain burger without toppings would have cost £35.50, and removing the bun and fries for just the patty would have been £39.50. The restaurant has since said the charge was a mistake.
Public figures criticised the policy, with Times writer Patrick Kidd calling a £21.50 burger 'immoral' and BBC Radio 2 presenter Kate Bottley highlighting issues for those with sensory needs. Some reviewers suggested feeding unwanted buns to seagulls rather than paying the fee, while others questioned why the removal charge drew more outrage than the high base price.
A spokesman for the hotel said the £2 charge was an error that has been corrected, and defended the £21.50 burger price as necessary due to high-quality ingredients and staff wages. He described the establishment as a 'high-end beach restaurant' and advised customers to check the menu before entering if pricing was a concern.
The restaurant, now under new management, previously received a one-star hygiene rating in 2021, requiring 'major improvement' in cleanliness and pest control. Despite the controversy, the spokesman maintained that the food is excellent and locally sourced, with a five-star hygiene rating currently.
