Critic brings new meaning to Chester Races Ladies' Day...

A CONTROVERSIAL restaurant critic has been blasted for claiming he had never heard of Chester and speculating that women attending Ladies' Day at the Roodee were "fat" and "hairy".

In response Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Race Company, has invited Sunday Times columnist AA Gill to visit Chester and "see what us yokel northerners get up to!".

Gill, famed for his unforgiving rants and critical excesses, also responded to comments about The Chester Grosvenor during an "Audience With..." style event at The Hay Festival where he talked about extracts from his book Table Talk.

One audience member said they had recently visited the Michelin star establishment and were surprised to be asked what sort of butter they would like.

Gill demanded to know where it was and the audience member reluctantly revealed it was in Chester.

Gill responded: "Oh, for god's sake, I don't know. Where's Chester?!"

To which John Mitchinson, who was leading the discussion, said: "It's in the north of England."

"What on earth were you doing up there?!" asked Gill.

The audience member replied: "Ladies' Day at the Chester races."

Gill quipped: "Do they race ladies in the North?! Wot ho! That's a lovely idea.Those fat, old Northerners. Chunky thighs, all hairy."