A former Masterchef winner has come under fire accused of "publicly shaming" a customer who made a special request. Simon Wood, who owns WOOD restaurant in Manchester, took to social media after receiving a message from a prospective diner.

In it the customer told how they wanted to dine at the venue to mark their anniversary. They initially asked for a table with a "nice view" for the occasion.

But they went on to ask for more. For not only did they seek a "good table" but they suggested they were given a free dessert.

Their message read: "As it's the first anniversary from me and my husband, would it be possible to give us a good table with a nice view and maybe a complimentary dessert? As I want to surprise my partner."

Simon reacted to the request by posting it to X, formerly twitter. He removed the customer's name but then commented: "Unbelievable…. Free food for celebrations, that’s why we’re here after all…."

And he added: "Restaurants aren’t here to give things away for free. Pop into McDonald’s and ask for a complementary cheeseburger and see what happens. People need to stop trying to scrounge off small businesses."

His actions sparked a backlash from some with one criticising the move as "so ghetto". Olufemi Osasona wrote: "Publicly shaming a customer that asked for a complimentary dessert on their special day is so ghetto.

"She asked nicely and with courtesy. Could have used this to show empathy and score cheap points with it. It's just a f**cking Tiramisu ffs. Chef needs Customer service training."

Zamalisa wrote: "You seem to forget you’re in the hospitality industry. " But Simon told them: "Yes with a business that sells food. Or have you forgotten that. Hospitality doesn’t mean free."

Simon also told followers: "I don't get it....restaurants aren’t here to give people free things."

And he got support from plenty of people. Kaycee said: "Restaurants are neither obliged or should be expected to give food away free or discounted. You wouldn’t walk into Tesco and ask for free items because it’s your anniversary/birthday."

Adam commented: "It’s a business, why should it give away free desserts?" Nopllll added: "Complete nonsense. It's pathetic to ask. Scroungers."

Kerri said there was difference in asking and being given. They posted: "I was at a very nice restaurant in Manchester for my birthday in June, I didn't ask, but was given a complimentary dessert! Was so nice for my birthday to be recognised, the difference it, it was given, I didn't and would never ask."