John Footman to succeed Ryan Simpson as head chef at the Goose

John Footman is to become the new chef at the Goose in Britwell Salome, which was forced to close last month after Ryan Simpson walked out following a row with owner Paul Castle.

Simpson left just weeks after the pub was awarded a Michelin star, with Simpson claiming he was under pressure to produce 'pub grub' rather than 'poncey' food. Castle later denied that he had used the term 'poncey'.

Footman's last was last head chef at the Nut Tree under the guidance of chef proprietor Michael North. Footman has also worked at L’ortolan, the Grove and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. North is himself a former head chef of the Goose and held a star there two years previously.

The new restaurant is set to re-open with Footman at the helm later this month.

Michelin-starred Goose closes after row between chefs and owner >>

The Goose, Watlington, Oxfordshire - Menuwatch >>

Nut Tree Inn, Murcott >>

Michael North leaves Goose to start new business >>

By Neil Gerrard

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