Greene King Brewing and Retailing, which counts the Copper Pot in Warwick Street among its 2,500 UK establishments, faces eight counts of improperly describing the food on its menus.

At the Copper Pot, Stratford magistrates heard it alleged that 'home-made coleslaw' was in fact a combination of pre-packed shredded vegetables and mayonnaise.

It was also claimed 'mature cheddar' was of a lesser and inadequate strength, 'free-range eggs' came from caged hens and 'onion rings' were reformed, and not made from whole cross-sections of the vegetable.

In pubs in Stratford and Coleshill, Tesco sliced ham allegedly masqueraded as the 'carved Wiltshire' variety, 'Yorkshire Gold free-range sausages' were not, 'Somerset butter' did not originate from Somerset and Cornish clotted cream ice-cream had no connection with Cornwall. Finally, home-baked bread was delivered cooked.

The case was adjourned until June 5 at 10am in Stratford.

If found guilty, the chain, which announced record results and a £218.1 million profit last year, could be fined up to £5,000.

The Copper Pot also faces one charge of selling food after its use-by date, relating to four Tesco Value Pork Pies offered two days late.