AS delicate negotiations continued over the details of the single currency, far more important issues were dominating European officials' minds - mainly what they would get for dinner.

Finely-planned menus involving the heads of state of governments meeting in Brussels were thrown into disarray when the British insisted on a more traditional bill of fare.

Discarding suggestions with a more European flavour, British officials demanded British food was served at today's banquet. After hours of discussion, the menu was changed to include fillet of lamb and an "English cheese board".