TV chef apologises as his diner serves ‘truly awful’ burger

CELEBRITY chef James Martin has promised to investigate why a customer was served a “truly awful” cheeseburger at one of his restaurants.

Scottish TV host Ewen Cameron complained to the star on Twitter after his £9.50 meal looked nothing like it was supposed to.

Instead of a juicy flame-grilled burger in a fresh bun with bacon, melted cheese and crispy lettuce, he received a frazzled pattie in a bap at Glasgow Airport’s James Martin Kitchen.

The limp offering turned up on a plate without a side of fries, onion rings or relish.

Hungry Cameron had been hoping for a filling meal before flying abroad but claimed he had eaten better burgers from motorway service stations.

Posting a picture of the offending meal on Twitter, he said: “Dear James Martin, I’m not one for complaining but I feel you need to see what your name is attached to at Glasgow Airport.

“This is your cheeseburger at your restaurant and priced at £9.50!

“I’m guessing you’ll be annoyed A bun deal... £9.50 burger at Martin’s airport diner as you’re a man who prides himself on his food.”

Yorkshire-born Martin, 45, who trained under French chef Michel Roux Senior, opened the diner in 2016 with food said to be prepared and “made in-house to James’s exact specifications by highly trained chefs”.

Embarrassed Martin replied: “Hi Ewen, I have just been made aware of this as I was working. Firstly can I apologise and I can assure you I will deal with it personally.

“Can I ask what time this was today and did you speak to a member of the team about this at the time? I apologise once again, please DM [direct message] me.”

The chef – who finished fourth in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 – presents James Martin’s Saturday Morning for ITV after 10 years on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. Comedian Cameron, 44, who hosts STV’s The Late Show, said later: “I don’t mind paying the cost if it’s worth it. It’s £9.50 for a burger. Nothing else comes with it. I guessed this was going to be top notch for the price. Truly awful. I’ve had better motorway burgers.”

Cameron later thanked Martin on Twitter for his reply and for showing that he cared. He wrote: “I know it’s not you that’s responsible. I didn’t speak to any staff member as it was busy & I had to catch my flight. PS: My wife loved the takeaway soup.”

Have you been disappointed eating at a famous chef’s restaurant? If so, email your pictures to picture.desk@express.co.uk