MICHELIN star chef Tom Kerridge has expressed his support for fellow chef and restaurateur Gary Usher as he defended the pricing of a burger at The White Horse pub.

The venue in Churton is set to open on March 3, with many people eager to visit for the first time since Elite Bistros took ownership of the pub in October last year. However, a recent preview of the menu on social media left some questioning the pricing, specifically around a burger at £19.50.

Elite Bistros founder Gary Usher addressed these concerns in a five minute video on Sunday, February 5.

READ MORE: Elite Bistros White Horse pub given official opening date

Mr Usher said: "To price up a menu, we source the very best ingredients, we add them up and we take VAT into account and then we work out a percentage that covers all of our costs. That's how we work out the cost of a menu item."

The chef said that businesses should be 'aware' of what nearby restaurants and pubs charge but that the idea that The White Horse's pricing should be directly comparable was 'ridiculous'. He also said that whilst he wants people to come to the pub, no one is under obligation to buy the burger or visit the pub if they think it's too expensive.

He continues: "[Its] easy for me to say 'we'll look at it' but we won't. If anyone is up to date with what is going on in the world. Energy prices, the cost of living crisis, inflation.

"That burger is not going to get cheaper, its going to get more expensive. If you're not aware of what's going on around you and what the prices are, I can't help you."

The tweet has received a lot of support, with several people praising Mr Usher for his explanation of the current pressures faced by the hospitality sector.

Support also came from top chef Tom Kerridge who said via Twitter: "Gospel by The White Horse."

He went on to say to one responder: "Many people enjoy the experience of eating out. There’s nothing wrong with that or the fact that they value it or the cost to provide it…."