Tatler releases guide to eating posh food on a budget

‘You don’t have to be rich to be fabulous’

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Society bible Tatler has released a guide to living “the Tatler life” on a budget.

In a battle of the bargains, the magazine has pitted Lidl against Aldi, comparing the prices and qualities of high-end items such as champagne, smoked salmon and steak.

Though it was a close call, with many items priced only marginally differently, Lidl was crowned the ultimate winner for its “discount lobster and frozen macarons.”

Some of the best bargains to receive Tatler's stamp of approval include Lidl’s Scottish beef sirloin (£5.45), which is just slightly more expensive than Aldi’s Aberdeen Angus steak (£4.75).

Then, there are the clashes of the smoked salmon, with packets available at Lidl for £2.99 and Aldi for £3.59 – theirs is “kiln-roasted” though, whatever that means.

Surprising things to appear on the list included specially selected duck breast, available at Aldi for £3.29, and botanical gin at Lidl for £15.99.

There is some parity between the definitive "posh" foods sold at the two stores, such as the six-pack of free-range eggs, available at just 89p in both chains.

Who knew that eggs could be so aristocratically thrifty?

Tatler’s sudden liking to Lidl and Aldi comes after both bargain chains have started introducing more luxury items to their shelves in a bid to attract a wider range of customers.

In December, Aldi sold more than 13 million bottles of wine, prosecco and champagne whilst Lidl’s bubbly counterpart topped the charts when their prosecco was crowned runner-up in a blind sparkling wine taste test by Good Housekeeping.

Lidl have even launched an organic prosecco range, which claims to give you less of a hangover.

Tatler’s Lidl vs Aldi list appeared in the November issue of the magazine, which is on newsstands now.