A PUB chain that has several branches in Essex has been condemned for launching a new burger containing almost the entire recommended daily calorie intake for a woman.

Hungry Horse, which runs Four Seasons in Basildon, Ann Boleyn in Rochford and Travellers Joy in Rayleigh, has launched the Double Donut Burger, which includes two beef burgers, melted cheese, four smoked streaky bacon rashers and BBQ sauce served in two grilled, glazed ring donuts.

Mel Wakeman, senior lecturer in applied physiology at Birmingham City University, said yesterday: “Hungry Horse obviously have no conscience and no doubt both their wallet and the size of their customers will be getting fatter by the week.

“To me, this is simply ludicrous and irresponsible. I am no killjoy but why is this sort of food available? This burger is literally a heart attack on a plate.

“Why can’t they include on the menu what the customer would need to do to burn all those calories off? In the case of this Double Donut Burger, around three hours of continuous running should just about do it. I wonder how many people would still opt for the item knowing this.”

The pub chain defended it's creation and called the dish "bizarre but brilliant".

Steve Jebson, from Hungry Horse, said: "Our popular menu caters for a variety of tastes and appetites and includes everything from lower calorie options such as our hot chicken and bacon salad at 393 calories, through to the indulgent occasional treat such as our new Double Donut Burger.

"All the nutritional information for our menu is available on our website and in our pubs, so that our customers are able to make informed decisions about what they choose to eat.”