Fattened goose liver has been a delicacy since the days of Egypt's pharaohs.

The French owner of the restaurant, Element 5, in Canterbury, said he will continue to serve the goose liver delicacy, despite the doorstep protest.

Jean-Pierre Machet said he did not understand why he had been singled out for attention.

"I know of 10 restaurants selling foie gras in Kent," he said.

He said: "I am surprised it is my restaurant and not one of the other places selling foie gras.

If they are peaceful people and don't disturb my customers, that's all right. Jean-Pierre Machet

"What can I do? Nothing. I let the protesters do as they want.

"If they are peaceful people and they don't disturb my customers, that's all right.

"I find it strange. We have been open for nearly one year and we are doing well."

France is the world's biggest producer of foie gras which, literally, means "fat liver" and is short for "pate de foie gras" - a rich pate made from the livers of ducks and geese.

Animal rights campaigners say the force-feeding and fattening of geese and ducks is intensely cruel.

During the last weeks of the birds' lives, tubes are inserted down their throats and grain is then force-fed, to fatten the liver.