I had booked lunch at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon for myself and my best friend to catch up for my birthday over what we had anticipated would be a fully epicurean experience. It is therefore particularly unfortunate that this could not in fact have been further from the truth.

We ordered the set menu, at £36.00 for three courses which we felt offered good value for money at lunchtime in this reputably fine restaurant. With it's abundance of accolades and Michelin stars, we did not expect to receive a meal which honestly was average at best.

Two of the courses were just ok – by no means the gastronomic treat that we had been led to expect. The stand out course however, was the starter which was simply disgusting.

We ordered the starter of ‘oeuf cococte’ – a dish that neither myself or my friend could stomach. The white of this oeuf was presented in small bowls still translucent in appearance and viscous in texture – a clear indicator that the oeuf was uncooked. The effect was a strange mix of glutinous and mildly congealed egg, coupled with mushroom foam alongside sporadically placed pieces of solid wild mushroom. It really was undeniably vile and after sampling a few mouthfuls decided that the starter was unedible.

I feel it is pertinent to add at this point that the inability to eat something is for me wholly uncharacteristic. I love food and all things gastronomic.