A TRADITIONAL English pub in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside is at the centre of controversy - over its national identity.
The Walter de Cantelupe Inn is flying a Spanish flag, much to the disgust of patriotic villagers in Kempsey.
Despite the inn being listed among the top 10 village pubs in Britain by the Independent newspaper, its latest bid to promote a paella party, due to be held on Sunday, August 25, has been met with disdain.
"We should be flying the Union Flag in the Golden Jubilee year," is one comment received by the landlord from pub regulars. "As for the Spanish flag, they can stick it up their Iglesias."
But the pub's owner, Martin Lloyd-Morris, is sticking to his guns.
"We have cooked this traditional Spanish dish in a four-foot wide paella pan for three years now," he said.
"We wanted to celebrate Spain's culture in more ways than one, by serving sangria and flying the Spanish flag.
"I understand the flag goes to the heart of people's feelings, but we can always fly the Union Jack for the rest of the year, if that better reflects the pride of our village."
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