Chef Tom Sellers turns table on critic Fay Maschler after scathing review

03 June 2016 by
Chef Tom Sellers turns table on critic Fay Maschler after scathing review

Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers has written a tongue in cheek riposte to a scathing review of his new London restaurant, Ours, by Evening Standard restaurant critic Fay Maschler, effectively reviewing the reviewer.

And it appears to be gaining support on social media from fellow chefs and the public alike.

This week Maschler penned a less than positive review of Restaurant Ours, which opened in Chelsea last month, criticising the menu design, the food, service, pricing and even staff uniforms, although she did like the chips.

"After reading her thoughts today, I think it's safe to say that she didn't enjoy either of her two visits during opening week" Sellers deadpanned.

The chef hit back with a review of the reviewer on his blog, seeking to correct what he saw as inaccuracies and throwing out a few brickbats of his own.

Comments from fellow chefs included "epic response", "amazing from @tomsstory a reply to a negative review without sounding bitter, v difficult for chefs it seems", "I tip my hat to you. Will upset a lot of people but is only right and fair a restaurant has the right to reply to a reviewer" and "indifferent to all parties involved, yet feel this sort of ‘retaliation' is long overdue…well said".

Chef Alan Murchison voiced his support on Twitter: "liking your style, wish I had the bollox to do this 15 years ago when I got ripped unfairly by Jan Moir."

Sellers' post touched a nerve in the trade, but the style of his post appears to have won support among restaurant-goers and even the other food and drink writers with comments such as "A really dignified ‘review of the reviewer' @tomsstory Full respect! Look forward to visiting @restaurant_ours now!".

Restaurateurs should ‘kill TripAdvisor negative reviewers with kindness' >>

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