A London restaurant has come up with a novel idea to drum up custom in the economic downturn: letting customers decide how much they want to pay for their meal.

A London restaurant has come up with a novel idea to drum up customers in the economic downturn: letting customers decide how much they want to pay for their meal.

The Little Bay restaurant in Farringdon is offering the all-you-can-eat deal for the rest of this month, to cater for credit crunch hit workers from the nearby City financial district.

"It's entirely up to each customer whether they give 100 pounds or a penny," said owner Peter Ilic. "All I'm asking is they pay me what they think the food and service is worth.

"It just seemed the right thing to do with everyone under the cosh and feeling pretty miserable. We have seen so many more City folk coming into the restaurant lately, looking for a better value lunch," he added.

The menu ranges from starters like Smoked Haddock Brandade or Oriental Duck Salad to Paupiette of Salmon or Whole Bones Poussin for main courses, or straight burgers for the more down-to-earth diners.

Normal prices vary from two pounds 25 pence (3.2 dollars, 2.5 euros) for a starter to eight pounds and 80 pence (12.6 dollars, 9.7 euros) for a main course, which are already competitive prices for central London.

Drinks are not included in the offer, although "tap water will be freely available," said the eatery.