Charles's ex-chef shrugs off reporter's criticism PRINCE Charles's former chef has shrugged off a Royal reporter's saucy review of his high-class pub grub.

The Mirror's columnist James Whitaker visited The Goose, in Britwell Salome, to try out the menu and although he seemed to enjoy most of the top-notch nosh, he did have a number of complaints.

The pub, owned by Chris Barber, 32, and his wife, Kate, 30, was opened a month ago. and Mr Whitaker paid a recent visit.

Mr Whitaker wanted to sample the food because Mr Barber's culinary CV includes preparing meals at Balmoral and Highgrove House and on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Mr Whitaker described Chris as a "likeable chap" in his column on Saturday and added that his wife Kate was "charming".

Although he said the starter and main course were okay, he took a swipe at the bread and butter pudding, which he described as "cold and stodgy". The columnist also said his table was "indescribably un- comfortable".

But Mr and Mrs Barber said they would have no problem stomaching the sharp-tongued review. Mr Barber said: "We would like to buy some bigger tables, but it's quite possible Mr Whitaker had problems squeezing into his, because of his ample frame. As for the bread and butter pudding, I serve it cold because I prefer it that way." When he left, he told us how much he had enjoyed his meal and said he would be coming back." "I think his comments were quite fair. We seem to be doing very well at the moment and won't worry too much about Mr Whitaker's opinion." His wife Kate added: "We haven't taken offence and welcome anyone, including Royalty and Royal reporters."

The writer and his wife, who booked in advance, ordered fresh crab and beef for their meal, which was accompanied by a "delicious, beautifully-kept bottle of claret". Mr Whitaker thought the bill, which came to £65.45, was too much, and also complained about a Central TV camera crew which was filming in the pub when he was having his meal. The Goose was formerly known as The Red Lion. Mr Barber and his wife moved from London to Britwell Salome at the beginning of the year. Oxford Mail restaurant critic Chris Gray had dinner at The Goose last Thursday. He found it comfortable and thought the price - £75 for three, including wine - was fair. He had often paid more in much inferior establishments.

He added: "The ingredients - including halibut and confit of duck - were all first-class and the dishes imaginatively presented." We didn't have bread and butter pudding but loved the unusual chicory creme brulee."

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