Foie Gras is a so-called delicacy, the production of which commonly involves the force-feeding of birds by shoving tubes down the animals’ throats. The animals’ liver then swells painfully. In the UK force-feeding birds is not legal, but the government claims EU/international rules mean they cannot ban its sale. The process can cause suffocation and injuries to the birds’ throats. Many birds die in this process even before being sent for slaughter.

The restaurant had been contacted previously by individuals concerned about the sale of the dish - however it was to no avail. One individual calling to object to the vile product was even told that a diet free from animal products was sad! With an attitude like that one can only wonder about the quality of any food they provide for those that avoid animal products!

So a small group of campaigners met outside and started handing out leaflets to people entering the restaurant and began chants. The staff at the restaurant closed the window blinds, perhaps in an attempt to stop their customers from having to look at the campaigners! However the campaigners continued chanting and standing ready with leaflets. Despite it being a Friday night there was only a few customers at Midsummer House.

As some campaigners needed to get going they decided to call it a day. However before doing so they decided to peacefully enter the restaurant and provide leaflets to the customers. As they did so a male member of staff grabbed one of the female campaigner’s arms very firmly. One can only wonder why he did not ask her to leave before using physical force against a woman. A young male campaigner was physically removed from the restaurant.

The campaigners watched from outside as the staff member called the police. The campaigners gave one final chant before leaving.

Midsummer House Restaurant is located on Midsummer Common, Cambridge (CB4 1HA) Daniel Clifford is the head chef.

Telephone: 01223 369299
Fax: 01223 302672

The only email listed is the reservations email that is:

 reservations@midsummerhouse.co.uk

Learn more about Foie-Gras see:

 http://www.viva.org.uk/campaigns/foiegras/index.html
 http://www.ciwf.org.uk/campaigns/other_campaigns/exotic_foods.html

To get active for animals in Cambridge check out the website of Animal Rights Cambridge at http://animalrightscambridge.bravehost.com and come to one of the meetings on the fourth Monday of every month @ The Bath House, just off Mill Road. (£1 hall hire per person)