Jim Rosenthal's bid for Fat Duck compensation is adjourned

Television presenter Jim Rosenthal's legal bid to get chef Heston Blumenthal to refund a £1,300 meal he claims left him "disastrously" ill has been adjourned.

The ITV sports presenter was one of more than 500 diners struck down by the norovirus (winter vomiting bug) scare at the iconic restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, last year.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) released a report on its investigation into the outbreak, which forced the restaurant to close for two weeks, stating the official cause was contaminated shellfish. The report pointed to "several weaknesses in procedures" at the Fat Duck including delayed response to the incident and staff working when they should have been off sick.

Rosenthal was one of a number of victims of the food poisoning outbreak to seek legal damages from the chef, who have since been compensated by the restaurant.

District Judge Tim Parker initially said he was minded to dismiss Rosenthal's claim at Oxford County Court after hearing he and his dinner companions had already received £6,000 in compensation.

However, Rosenthal's lawyer sought leave to appeal and the case was adjourned.

Judge Parker requested written submissions from both parties who will return to court at a date to be fixed.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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