Renowned gourmet food creator Charlie Bigham has come to the defense of his new premium meal selection, which can cost up to £30 each, following comparisons to a steak bake.

The latest Brasserie range by the company has recently hit the shelves at Waitrose, offering top-tier dining experiences at home, minus the ambiance, service, and post-meal cleanup.

While some reviews have criticized dishes like the duck confit at £17 for two servings, likening it to a Bovril-like “gloopy brown puddle,” and the beef wellington priced at £29.95 for two, saying it resembled a steak bake, Bigham, in an interview with the Mirror, refuted these claims.

Defending the pricing of the five-course range, he emphasized the focus on value over mere cost, stating that the most expensive item, the beef wellington, made with prime beef fillet, is priced at £15 per person, equating to £30 for two people, which he believes offers excellent value.

Though shoppers may draw comparisons to supermarket-owned premium ready meals, Bigham asserts that his creations, while in the same aisle, differ significantly in approach, emphasizing meticulous preparation akin to a chef’s standards rather than merely price-driven convenience.

Acknowledging the changing dining habits of consumers who seek restaurant-quality meals at home, Bigham clarified that his aim is not to undermine the struggling hospitality industry but to cater to evolving consumer preferences for more affordable yet premium dining experiences.

In a taste comparison with Greggs’ well-known steak bake priced at £2.10, the £30 beef wellington by Bigham’s brand was found to be visually appealing but lacking in substantial beef filling, leaving a desire for more substance relative to its high cost.

In essence, the verdict suggested that while Bigham’s offering was satisfactory, it fell short of the excellence expected from a restaurant-quality meal, prompting a lukewarm reception towards the perceived value of the product.