Earlier this week, Tom Kerridge launched a set lunch menu that won't make him "any money".

The chef announced a new two-course set menu amid the ongoing cost of living crisis allowing guests to eat at the Michelin-starred The Coach without the "fear of spending too much money".

Kerridge started a similar initiative during the 2008 financial crisis when "people were very worried about the money in their pockets".

Now in 2022, he says "it feels like those times are here again" and hopes the set lunch menu will have the same impact.

Classic pub and school dinner favourites, such as cottage pie, lasagne, caramelised onion sausage and jam roly poly, will be available.

A third course can also be added for an extra £7.50

Some residents, however, said on Facebook they could still not justify spending that amount of money whilst other places offer cheaper alternatives.

Mark Free said: "You can have a £10 lunch now in a restaurant with a buzz and maybe a £7.50 lunch if you shop around... so you might be pricing yourself out of the market there Tom."

Nicola Hinves added: "There are plenty of local places where you can get a £15 main meal if you forego the jam roly poly, many of which are struggling to make money and need our support to stay in business.

"Just because they are not celebrity chefs and haven’t got the money for big press releases advertising on social media doesn’t mean you won’t get a great meal out with more variety at an affordable price."

However, others praised the celebrity chef for offering a menu that is more affordable to customers.

One said: "Good for Tom on the rebound from the deserved criticism of him pocketing a fortune with very, very expensive meals at his restaurants at a time when the UK is tipping into a crisis prompting hunger and hardship for many.

"He should therefore easily afford to serve some cheap good meals to the needy. We should all hope that his new offer will help lift the deep shaming criticism he has been hit with over offering sky-high dishes."

Natalie Mohamed added: "Fantastic - great opportunity for those to experience your food at an affordable price."

Some joked after the celebrity chef has been previously criticized for his £87 price tag for the steak and chips at The Hand and Flowers.

Mark Christian said: "I take it the £86 steak didn’t feed the masses then."

Simon Ticky Tickner added: "Yeah because he realised his £87 steak was an absolute joke."

Whilst Gary Cole said: "If you can’t afford to eat there - then don’t - pretty easy really.."

The Coach will offer the deal Monday to Wednesday alongside Kerridge's Bar & Grill at Corinthia London in Whitehall and the Bull & Bear in Manchester.

Kerridge said: "The aim is to get the excitement and buzz back into restaurants without guests having the fear of spending too much money. A taste of the good times at a fraction of the price.

"Please come and join us, and most importantly, make a booking in London, Manchester or Marlow."