Andrew Westlake, a regular at Berkhamsted's The Gatsby, said he will no longer eat at the popular restaurant after seeing the starter on one of it's Christmas menus.

Foie gras is traditionally made by force-feeding geese to fatten the liver up.

Mr Westlake, of Chesham Road, said: "My wife and I regularly visit The Gatsby for drinks and made an enquiry about their 2009 Christmas menu. Much to our horror we noted that foie gras was being offered as a starter.

"Most readers should be well aware of the ethical debate surrounding the production of foie gras, suffice to say The Gatsby has now lost two loyal customers.

"I really do expect more from a venue in a town where ducks and geese are very much part of the local community.

"I encourage all readers to boycott The Gatsby until foie gras is removed from the menu."

In response the owner of the restaurant, Nick Pembroke, said: "We have served it on our A'la carte menu for the past three years and have never had a problem.

"We understand some people have ethical views about it. Our foie gras is ethically sourced from France. The animals are left to roam around until 14 days before they are culled, which is a darn sight better than the £2.99 battery chickens you can buy in the supermarkets.

"It's a very popular dish. We live in a democratic society and people are free to choose to eat it or not.

"We have it on our menu because customers want it."