Ex-Masterchef finalist apologises for calling TripAdvisor user 'an imbecile' after scathing review

Apology: Adam Handling
Mark Chandler1 September 2016

A top London chef has apologised after branding a diner “an imbecile” for leaving a scathing review on TripAdvisor.

In an online response, Adam Handling, a former finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals, suggested the customer led “a very sad life” and told him to stick to McDonald’s in the future.

The diner’s review first complained on the site that staff at The Frog in Shoreditch had lost his reservation before going on to slam the restaurant’s food.

He wrote: “The food was very average. "Beetroot Beetroot Beetroot" was just a bit of beetroot with a lot of sugar.

“Other meals also very average. Chef is trying hard to make it look fancy and new, but several meals were either bland, or just way too salty.

“Service was also poor, with meals not coming at same time for both us.

Review: The diner was not happy
TripAdvisor

“In general, we think it's overpriced for what it is and way too overhyped.”

However, Mr Handling hit back with a blunt response. He wrote: “You are the prime example of an imbecile.

“If you think that we are over priced you lead a very sad life.”

He went on: “Food is personal and the little knowledge you have even though food is personal your just stupid as the beetroot is not just some beetroot with some sugar on...

“Please never come back or for that matter stick in Mcdonalds .

Chef: Adam Handling at The Frog near Brick Lane
Matt Writtle

“I know it’s a touch out of your price range but try it, you will probably enjoy it.”

But the 27-year-old chef has now apologised to the diner and admitted the bad review caused him to “bubble over”.

He said: “In hindsight, I wouldn't have written this response at all, and I have since apologised for my use of language to the person concerned.

"But as chefs, particularly ones in the public eye, we open ourselves up to criticism and I'm fast learning that opinion can and will be divided at times.

"When I get amazing reviews, I feel incredible. When I get bad ones, and particularly if I feel they're unfair in some way, I feel horrible and so does the entire team.

"Cooking is personal for me, it's all I've done since I was 16 and my team and I work very hard.

"I'm so passionate about it and so determined to make the hours I put into it result in happy diners in my restaurant, that when I get a review such as the one I did, that passion can bubble over."

In an interview with the Standard earlier this year, Mr Handling said he aimed to make fine dining less “poncy”.

The Hanbury Street venue includes a range of snacks for £4, with main courses starting at £7.

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