An irate customer bit off more than he could chew when he lashed out in anger at a restaurant chef.

The incident took place on Christmas day, and CCTV footage shows that there was not much festive spirit at the establishment that morning.

Initially the chef is seen sitting down and attempting to reason with the customer, who appears to be hot-under-the-collar.

However, it quickly becomes clear that the customer is absolutely furious and his tensed up body language indicates that there may be trouble ahead.

Just seconds later that proves to be true as the chef puts a hand on the customer’s shoulder in what appears to be a conciliatory manner, only for the man to retaliate by lashing out with a punch to his face.

That knocks the chef back a few paces, but it turns out he’s not a man to be messed with as he immediately wades back in with a harder right hand of his own.

The cook connects with a couple of punches, before landing a powerful straight right that sends his attacker staggering backwards, and then continues to press forward with more offense.

They crash into a table and a struggle ensues against the back wall, before other staff members, and what appears to be the customer’s wife, separate the two men.

They attempt to hold back the chef, but he’s still furious at having been assaulted and wrenches free, with his shirt coming off in the process.

He then goes back on the attack, scooping up a nearby stool and swinging at the customer, and then follows up with a right hook to his face.

He swings again, but misses this time and accidentally knocks over the man’s partner instead, though thankfully she quickly gets back to her feet, and that brings an end to the altercation.

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The chef had every right to defend himself after that initial sucker punch, though he would have been better served quitting while he was ahead, as going back for a second helping only caused more problems.