A chef is so disgusted with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau he will be giving it away.

Paul Clerehugh, chef and owner of the award-winning Crooked Billet restaurant in Stoke Row, near Wallingford, said: "This year's Beaujolais is complete rubbish and I couldn't possibly charge people to sample the wretched stuff. This year, guests will get to sample it for free."

The restaurant, which made bangers and mash for the wedding reception of Titanic star Kate Winslet, has also created a special French menu for its Beaujolais evening on Thursday, November 18. But Mr Clerehugh said only British ingredients would be used. He said: "If the French won't buy our beef I see no reason why I should cook their food. This year, it will be boeuf bourguignon with Aberdeen Angus, and moules with Irish mussels."

The restaurant has also booked a Parisian-style jazzband - all the way from Reading.

Story date: Wednesday 10 November

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