The loud thump of music is now something to be expected in many fashionable restaurants - but Nigella Lawson has said it leaves her unable to taste her food.

The cook and television presenter has said she is "allergic to all noise" including "music in shops and restaurants".

She added: "It is utterly draining. And it drowns out the taste of the food.

"I’ve always presumed that these decisions are made by people who feel uncomfortable without noise."

Chef Richard Corrigan, who has won two Michelin stars and cooked for the Queen, said he sticks to quiet jazz piano music in his Mayfair restaurants.

The restaurateur, who owns Bentley's Oyster Bar and Corrigan's restaurant, said: "Loud music, personally I'm not a fan of it in restaurants, I don't mind some music, some live piano like we have in Bentley's and Corrigan's is good, but what you don't want is speakers over the table.

"A good playlist is as equal to a really good menu in the right environment. It shows soul and individuality. You need to stay away from restaurants that play Abba or Eric Clapton loudly."

He added that while those in their twenties may enjoy loud music as they eat their meal, getting older means that the noise is grating.