Why dine out when ready meals are so good says TV chef

READY meals are now so good that restaurants are struggling to compete with them, according to a TV chef.

Simon Rimmer, who appears on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and Tricks of The Restaurant Trade said deals such as M&S’S ‘dine in for £10’ offer, were a major challenge for the industry.

“There’s a limit to the amount of money we can charge customers,” he said.

“Our main competitors are supermarkets and our biggest is M&S.

“On a cold wintry night when you can pop to M&S and dine in for a tenner – a main course, a pudding, a side dish and a bottle of wine – we’ve got to be pretty damn good to make you come to me and spend 50 quid.”

Rimmer also called for more honesty in the food and drink industry – and better conditions for its workers as the government tackles Brexit and potential changes to the minimum wage.

“There’s a massive skills shortage both at front and back of house,” he said. “I’d like to be known for campaigning and developing the way in which we treat staff.

“We need to look at better working conditions for people and look at reducing the hours they have to work.

“We have to prove to people that it’s a fantastic career opportunity and try and look after and develop them. It’s hard work but it can be well-paid.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve got so many young chefs who started with me who are now smashing out amazing food – not necessarily for me.

“But I set them on the road and I want to continue doing that.”

Married father-of-two Rimmer, 54, from Chorlton, Manchester, was speaking as he encouraged the public to make the most of the summer by using their barbecue.

In addition to his TV work, Rimmer owns five pubs and restaurants including one in Dubai.

His portfolio is set to rise to at least 11 with a new merger in the pipeline and he is also looking for another site in the Middle East or south-east Asia.