An invitation arrives. Lunch tomorrow (March 11) with Marco Pierre White at the Steakhouse Bar & Grill, the newly opened restaurant at the Doubletree by Hilton, Chester.

The new venture forms part of plans by the curmudgeonly chef’s company, MPW Restaurants, to open three new eateries around the Northwest.

Problem is, as this piece from the Guardian’s Word of Mouth blog highlights, Marco is lending his name but not his culinary flair.

Some lackey will be slaving over a hot stove while Marco talks branding. So would you pay £19.50 for three courses graced by Marco only in name?

Yep, me too. Think I’ll pass.