Michael Winner annihilates Longridge pub’s grub (From Chorley Citizen)

Michael Winner annihilates Longridge pub’s grub

9:40am Wednesday 13th January 2010 in TV By Nazia Parveen, Reporter

REVIEW UPSET: Martin Carefoot with Michael Winner and chef Harry Larter

THE owners of a Longridge pub have hit back after food critic Michael Winner blasted their restaurant.

The film director-cum-foodie visited The Duke William and gave the pub a scathing review after he ordered a burger.

The 75-year-old, famed for dining at the world’s finest eateries, was in the Ribble Valley town in October to record his Michael Winner’s Dining Stars show.

He had visited Carefoot’s Farm Shop in the town with owner Martin Carefoot, who then suggested he ate in the pub he owns in Chapel Hill as part of the visit.

After ordering his meal Winner was unhappy when the ketchup arrived in tiny plastic packets rather than a dish.

He went on to criticise staff for not asking him how he wanted his burger cooked.

In his review, published in the Sunday Times this week, he said: “The waitress hadn’t asked how I wanted my hamburger cooked.

“It came well done. I wanted medium rare. It was flat skimpy and flaccid. Didn’t even look like meat.”

When it came to dessert, Winner blasted the pub again, suggesting they list the specials on a blackboard rather than reading them out.

Mr Carefoot, a farmer who bought The Duke William more than two years ago, said Winner had been “all smiles and politeness” during his visit to his farm shop in Inglewhite Road, Longridge.

He said: “It is an absolute disgrace. I was really shocked when I saw the review.

“He came to the shop first and we made him more than welcome, he was acting like he was a long lost friend but then everything changed once he went into the pub.

“We tried our very best but he had just changed from a friendly old man to someone who was totally obnoxious.

"He started making unusual requests like asking for his ice cubes for his drink to be placed on a side plate.

"There was no pleasing him and I wish he had never come to our pub.”

Mr Carefoot said his customers often praised the pub for the quality of its food.

He said: “It is a warm, friendly and well-run pub and we are very proud that we source are produce locally and all of the meat comes from my farm in Penny Lane.”

Paul Heathcote of the award-winning Longridge restaurant said he was surprised that Michael Winner had chosen to review the Duke William for the Sunday Times.

“Let’s face it Mr Winner seems to rarely get outside the M25 unless it’s to Italy, France or the West Indies,” he said.

“The Duke is a pub that serves food rather than a restaurant and there are a host of recognised great eateries in the Ribble Valley which he could have visited but didn’t.”

DINERS’ VIEWS

Is Michael Winner right? We asked the diners in the pub last night.

Lisa Laker, 36, of Longridge, said: “It serves good traditional pub food and we have never had any complaints. The staff are always really friendly and the food is high quality. It is always busy when we go in and we keep going back because we know that it’s going to be good. It is also great that all the food is sourced locally.”

Susan Maher, 43, of Little Lane, Longridge, said: “I think it is great, the service is always of a high standard and you are spoilt for choice because there are loads of options on the menu. I go there a few times a week and it is fantastic value for money. The food is tasty and the staff are friendly. It also has a really nice atmosphere.”

Andy Hobro, 40, Barclay Road, said: “I have been with my wife and the food and atmosphere are great. The steak is really good and we know that it is sourced locally which is nice. The fish is really tasty too and always seems very fresh. The staff are always really welcoming and we will definitely be going back.”

Danielle Tyson, 27, of Goosnargh, said: “I went there with my partner and we weren’t very impressed. We both said we wouldn’t be rushing back because the food just wasn’t up to standard. It is a shame because the service was very good and the waitress was friendly and welcoming.”

Ryan Buxton, 61, of Longridge, said: “The food is excellent. I have dined there several times and never had a bad meal. Winner ought to get a life. All my friends and family think the same – the service is fantastic, it has a great atmosphere and the food is local. It is also good value for money and we always have a very good time.”

Stella Whalley, 42, of Longridge, said: “It is excellent. We do go very often and we have been for big family get togethers and parties and the food and service has been consistently good. I can’t fault it at all. I don’t agree with Michael Winner. I think the article is totally wrong.”