A chef has sparked a wave of anger after describing customers who share meals or order tap water as “window diners”.

Hugh Corcoran, who runs the Yellow Bittern on London’s Caledonian Road, shared an Instagram post in which he said sharing plates had “ruined the dinner” and it was “not worth opening” for people willing to spend just “£25 per person”. ..

He said it had become normal for “a table of four to order one starter and two dishes to share.”

“Restaurants are not public benches, you are there to spend money,” he said.

He sought to justify his comments by pointing out the effort and money spent on serving a table.

“We go through the trouble of setting the table, picking and arranging the flowers, polishing the glasses etc and holding the table for 2 hours for someone to order a meal which ends up costing £25pp,” he declared.

“So at a minimum, order correctly, drink some wine, and justify your presence in the room that afternoon.”

Some industry professionals agreed with him and applauded his message, while others accused him of being tone-deaf.

“How many people have the luxury of going out for a boozy midweek lunch? And even fewer can afford the £150 cash for a meal for two with wine and service?” one commenter wrote, pointing out that Mr. Corcoran’s restaurant is open cash only and lunchtime only.

“Maybe with better opening hours people could choose to order alcohol or spend a little more? The law here is crazy. Customers don’t owe you anything.”

“I couldn’t disagree with this more and it’s extremely depressing to see so many hospitality professionals liking this post,” said another.

Mr. Corcoran followed his original post with another…

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