The Randolph Hotel has hit back at a damning review by top food critic Giles Coren.

The hotel said it was 'disappointed' Mr Coren's experience did not reflect its high standards.

It also pointed out that for the reported price of £21.50 the Times writer could have helped himself to 58 products, including a selection of cheeses, cold meats, pastries and cakes.

The columnist caused a storm when he awarded the 150-year-old hotel’s traditional fry-up a zero and said it was ‘unfit for consumption in all but the grisliest prison’.

The city's full English connoisseurs joined in in their droves to slam the five-star hotel.

 Jacqui Thorndyke, founder of city food and drink guide Bitten Oxford, said the offering was ‘absolutely shocking’.

She said: “For a good English breakfast you would expect a much better quality and a bigger plateful - particularly for that price.

“I haven’t eaten there since I had afternoon tea a few years ago, the food was very good but I don’t think I’ll be having breakfast there anytime soon - you just hope they respond constructively to these comments.”

The food blogger lamented the lack of strong breakfast options in the city and said that many of her favourites had since closed down.

She said: “The Chester in East Oxford is definitely the best for me they do a stunning breakfast.

“A lot of my favourite places have closed down, such as Door 74 in Cowley Road and Oxfork in Magdalen Road, although its replacement Gaf is also very good.”

Critic Mr Coren scored the hotel’s breakfast and service zero - the location did receive a ten though.

He said: “This, truly, was the worst thing I have ever been served in any establishment of any kind ever, anywhere in the world.

“What they served me for breakfast at the Randolph Hotel was at best scandalous and at worst a fully illustrated announcement of the Death of the English Breakfast.”

After he posted the picture on Twitter the city’s breakfast experts went into meltdown at the serving which would set diners back £21.50.

Gemma Ritchie, from Abingdon, said: “This is the breakfast we had the day after we spent thousands on our wedding there in July, after such a wonderful experience and great food throughout the day, breakfast was the worst I’ve ever had.”

Janice Tirda said: "Because of the location they think they can charge whatever they like for the shameful breakfast they choose to serve. 
"They are definitely not looking for visitors to return"

Kathy Hand said: "I feel ashamed - this is what we give to visitors. 
"I guess they don't bank on any repeat business."

Macdonald Randolph Hotel regional managing director Jonathan Dawson said: “We are passionate about the food we serve and proud of our triple AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. 

“We serve only the highest quality seasonal produce and are disappointed that the reporter’s breakfast experience wasn’t reflective of our normal high standards.

"Regarding the reported price, our £21.50 breakfast includes an unlimited continental buffet which features 58 products* including a selection of cheeses and cold meats, pastries and cakes, breakfast cereals, yoghurts, dried and fresh fruits as well as hot and cold drinks.

"This is in addition to the traditional full English breakfast which can be ordered with extra bacon, eggs, baked beans and black pudding at no extra charge.”