A deli owner in Cornwall has hit back at critics after being scrutinised for the shop's pasty pricing. Terri and Caleb Munday, who own Mousehole Deli and Kitchen, found themselves under fire for selling pasties at £10 apiece.

Faced with backlash, Terri told MailOnline her intentions to raise the price even further to £13.50 but admitted this has been halted due to disgruntled locals. She confessed the business is now "going to have to run at a loss and delay this process" due to the community's response. The pasties on offer are from Ann's Pasties and carry a premium if customers choose to dine in, whereas it's £6.50 for a takeaway option.

Other outlets provide the same Cornish treat for much less, though without the sit-down service. Terri explained the struggles of the current climate, saying: "As if life is not hard enough. Our pasty prices have absolutely nothing to do with making money off tourists or second homeowners."

She maintained that an increase in price is necessary to achieve a 70 per cent profit margin, yet the aim has been to minimise costs for the public, reports CornwallLive.

Terri shared the unpleasant consequences faced by her team, saying: "My team have had abuse on the phone and over the counter about prices, which has been totally heartbreaking for us and them, particularly in April when prices are due to increase."

Local ex-police officer Elaine Bawden, 66, who grew up in Mousehole, said the pasty's price felt steep but was understandable. Speaking to the press, she indicated the pricing strategy seemed targeted more towards tourists than local residents.

She said "that's the case wherever you purchase quality goods". Neil Brockman, 61, is among those who swear by the taste of the pasties.

Elsewhere, the Cornish Hen Deli in Penzance, run by Sarah Shaw, sells traditional pasties for £4.60. When informed about her competitor's pricing, she reacted with disbelief: "'Are you kidding me?"

The buisness owner shared their shock at such the price tag, saying "they must be gold-plated," before adding, "I can't quite believe that."

In the same town, Lavenders Deli Bakery owner Ian Lavender, 70, charge a similar price at £4.70 for their own pasties. Upon hearing about the £10 offerings, Ian declared: "That's extortionate. We have always tried to keep our prices at a reasonable rate because the area is not wealthy. We have to try to keep the prices within people's budgets."