Under new rules, restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 staff must now display the calorie information of non-prepacked food and soft drinks.

According to a statement by the government, the new legislation aims to tackle obesity by helping the public “make informed, healthier decisions”.

High Street chains such as Wetherspoons and McDonald’s already publish information about the calorie content of their food on their menus.

Some restaurants fear it will increase their costs, whilst eating disorder charity BEAT condemned the move, saying that ‘calorie counts on menus won’t prevent obesity, but they will harm people with eating disorders’.

Public Health Minister, Jo Churchill, said: “Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for people to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families, both in restaurants and at home. That is why we want to make sure everyone has access to accurate information about the food and drink we order.

“These measures form an important building block in our strategy to support and encourage people in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.”