Pretzels were noticeable only by their absence from the menu at a lavish state banquet held in honour of US president George W Bush, at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday.
Instead, the president enjoyed sorrel soup, tartlet of roast halibut with herbs, supreme of chicken with basil and an ice-cream dessert. A teetotaller, he passed on the Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and port on offer. The dinner for 170 was held in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace and was attended by leading members of the royal family.
The banquet was prepared by the royal brigade headed by royal chef Mark Flanagan.