Britain’s first three-Michelin-starred chef might be expected to source his food from expensive specialist markets.
But Marco Pierre White clearly has an eye for a bargain and is often seen in the Aldi near his hotel, the Rudloe Arms in Corsham, near Bath. The hotel has “40 charming rooms and three shepherd’s huts”, with rooms costing between £199 and £325 a night.
White’s Aldi basket last week was packed with Birra Moretti, free-range eggs and wholemeal bread, all mainstays on their menus.
But while a 330ml bottle of Italian beer costs £1.99 at Aldi, it sells for £8 at the hotel.
White, 62, bought the Grade II listed building in 2012 and, after extensive refurbishment, soon received rave reviews.
Marco Pierre White has been seen stocking up on goods at Aldi near his hotel, the Rudloe Arms in Corsham, near Bath, and reselling the items for many times the price.
White’s Aldi basket last week was packed with Birra Moretti, free-range eggs and wholemeal bread, all mainstays on their menus. But while a 330ml bottle of Italian beer costs £1.99 at Aldi, it sells for £8 at the hotel.
But in recent years the curse of Tripadvisor has arrived: guests criticize the three-star hotel and even compare it to Fawlty Towers.
One customer described the Rudloe Arms as “the biggest rip-off hotel for drinks and food”.
Another said: “Someone needs to politely remind Mr White that the hotel is in Wiltshire, not Mayfair.”
The chef has also been criticized for misleading diners with additional charges.
A glass of apple or orange juice at breakfast costs an additional £4.95, and guests pay £40 if they are found to have brought their own drinks to the room.
The chef has also been criticized for misleading diners with additional charges. A glass of apple or orange juice at breakfast costs an additional £4.95 and guests will be charged £40 if they are found to have brought their own drinks to the room.
However, you can buy a £145 bottle of champagne at the hotel (available for less than £55 in shops).
A bottle of prosecco costs £60, more than four times the shop price.
Last month, Wiltshire Council awarded Rudloe Arms a hygiene level of four out of five, flagging a concern over “confidence in management and control procedures”.
Marco Pierre White’s hotel, the Rudloe Arms in Corsham, near Bath, has received mixed reviews.
