Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling has criticized parents whose children allegedly entered a chicken coop at his pub, The Tartan Fox, near Newquay, Cornwall, and smashed approximately 30 to 40 fertilized eggs. Handling also reported that other patrons' dogs attacked and killed a chicken at the same establishment.
Handling, a former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, stated that the children were allowed to enter the coop and throw the eggs at a tree. He expressed his disappointment on Instagram, questioning parental supervision and stating, "I don't understand the parents that allow them sort of children to act that way in public places. And for the child it says more about the parent than the child."
He noted that the smashed eggs were intended to produce more chicks. Handling plans to enhance security with CCTV and motion sensors to protect his chickens and their eggs. He believes that only a small child or an "extremely small adult" could have gained access to the coop, which is protected by two layers of fencing. The pub is set on three acres, and the chickens are generally allowed to roam freely.
Holding, who was appointed MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to hospitality, described the birds as his "babies" and noted that they are hand-reared and approach people readily. He suggested that a lack of discipline and parental engagement contributes to such incidents, remarking, "when it comes to the younger generations, people are a little bit more frivolous with discipline. Kids are on their phones; they do their own thing. It’s not like when we were children. For me, it’s lack of education and lack of parenting."
Handling owns the Michelin-starred restaurant Frog in London and The Ugly Butterfly in Newquay. The incident involving the eggs occurred during Sunday lunch service, with meals priced at £42 for two courses and £49 for three.