I was one of the first in the original thread to express shock at the idea of a 20-pound breakfast (sorry, American on an American keyboard, dunno how to make the GBP sign).

But I'd like to clarify something - It's not the fact that it's breakfast that threw me off; it's just that 20 quid is a very expensive meal, be it B, L, or D.

However, a gourmet meal, made in a 5-star restaurant by a master chef, is certainly worth more money than a mass-produced meal in a chain restaurant. Had I the means, I would certainly enjoy such meals on a regular basis, but as a middle-class working stiff, I cannot justify the expense of such indulgences, when I can get an acceptable (though inferior) meal for less than 1/4 of the price.

I have never had a problem with the concept of pay more, get more. So long as I am getting value for my money, either in larger quantities or higher qualities, or some other added factor like ambience, location, some sort of show, or an unusual level of service, it seems perfectly reasonable to me to spend more money when it's within one's budget.

If I'm ever in London, and my budget can handle it, I might consider laying down a twenty for breakfast at Simpons on the Strand. Assuming, of course, that they'd be willing to admit an uncultured Yank such as myself.