Channel 4's new four-part series, Tricks of the Restaurant Trade, sent models into three top London restaurants where they were given 'golden tables' - prominent³ seats near the front.

 

But those considered to be less attractive were relegated⁴ to the areas near the kitchen or toilets - or were even simply told there were no tables available.

 

The show is presented by Simon Rimmer, Kate Quilton and actor Adam Pearson, who suffers from neurofibromatosis, which has left his face covered in dozens of non-cancerous tumours⁵.

 

During the experiment Mr Pearson hired the models and sent them into the restaurants shortly before he and a friend also attempted to get a table.

 

In all three cases the women were given seats in prime⁶ locations while the men were either hidden away or refused tables.

 

Mr Pearson said: 'It's disappointing. The next time you get sat at the back of the restaurant, now you know why.'

 

Two restaurateurs interviewed for the show admitted such discrimination is common practice.

 

TV chef Simon Rimmer, who owns Greens in Manchester and Earle in Cheshire, said: 'Every restaurant has a golden table where they sit the best looking customers.

 

'A restaurant's clientèle give off a certain message about the place.

 

'Good looking customers attract more people and make you more cash so you sit them where they can be seen.'

 

Neil Gill, who owns London's Season Kitchen, told The Sun: 'Everybody likes to associate themselves with cool people and good looking people.

 

'You want to feel like you are eating in a restaurant where there are other cool people.'

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