A food reviewer named Toby Inskip, known as Eating with Tod on Instagram, has been criticised for his table manners during a visit to The Ritz. Despite the foodie regularly sharing his unique dining experiences across the country, his latest video from the world-renowned hotel's two-Michelin-star restaurant sparked controversy among his followers.
Commenters were less interested in the array of dishes he was served and more focused on his etiquette. They claimed one particular action while enjoying his lavish meal was so "rude" that it detracted from the video, with some stating he showed "no respect" for the "high-class restaurant".
The Ritz is a five-star luxury hotel in London, boasting one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world. Its restaurant, adorned with marble columns, chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Green Park, recently earned its second Michelin star, which prompted Tod to visit.
During his trip, Tod indulged in the seven-course tasting menu, which was priced at £221 per person. He began with a selection of canapés and a wine list that was reportedly 73 pages long.
He filmed himself savouring pâté, which he described as the best he'd ever had, before moving on to a "sublime" dish of turbot and truffle pasta.
After praising The Ritz for their impressive sauces, he was seen drinking the last drops directly from the gravy boat, an act that did not sit well with his viewers, as many believed it was "classless".
Tod's gastronomic adventure reached its peak with the "star of the show" – chestnut-fed pigeon, artfully crafted in front of him, complete with trolley service and a live sauce preparation.
Impressed by the dish, he said: "Every bite literally booted my tastebuds for six. I was not wasting anything. Who needs a dishwasher when the food tastes this good?".
It was his next move, however, that caused a stir online when he licked his plate clean, prompting sharp reactions in the comment section.
One observer noted: "Sorry, but you have no class here. Licking the plate at such a high-class restaurant is totally uncalled for. No respect." Another stated: "Looks incredible. Your table manners, not so much. Why? Just why?".
A third critique read: "Licking the plate and knife and eating with your hands? In the Ritz? Showing as much class as a school summer holiday."
Nevertheless, Tod's evening continued with what he described as "the best cheese board" paired with a vintage port from 1896 and rounded off with a sumptuous chocolate soufflé.
Despite some raised eyebrows over his etiquette, The Ritz itself seemed unfazed, responding to the commotion on Instagram with a heart-eyes emoji.
Fans also defended Tod, asserting that his trademark gesture – licking the plate or pretending to do so – is a staple of his brand identity, viewed as an expression of culinary enjoyment rather than discourtesy.
One enthusiast expressed their approval with the words: "I really appreciate how descriptive this was. Sometimes I'm a bit grossed out by the videos when you do kind of stuff your face, but licking a plate is very fun and feels like what I'd do. I know it's probably all branding. Also, as someone who'll never be able to afford the Ritz, thanks for sharing inside it."
Meanwhile, another defender of Tod's behaviour made their stance clear: "Why are so many people being so mean ... he's having the time of his life! Good on him, I'm so jealous!"
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