COUNCIL chiefs are taking steps to prevent a catering row at Winchester Guildhall from boiling over.

It surrounds a wedding in early August, which 200 guests are expected to attend.

Louise Taylor, originally from Liverpool, and Yassir Mahmood, a London-based lawyer, want to hold their reception at Winchester Guildhall.

They chose the venue because Mr Mahmood grew up in the city, and his parents still live at Bereweeke Avenue in Weeke.

His father, Naeem, and mother, Nuzhat, went to the Guildhall last month to arrange it.

They wanted a mixture of European and Asian dishes for the event. However, Mr Mahmood senior, a retired shopkeeper, said the council was unable to meet their needs.

He added that his family, which is Muslim and of Pakistani descent, was offered English meals and nothing else.

"We can have fish and chips in the hall, but we can't have curry and rice."

He said the council objected to them bringing their own food, which prompted them to look at venues elsewhere in the district.

They tried other venues but none were enough.

Southampton Guildhall did have adequate capacity, and could provide Asian dishes, but the location was not ideal, said Mr Mahmood senior.

"We don't want to hold it in Southampton, we want to hold it in Winchester."

He added that Winchester City Council, which runs the Guildhall, should provide more diverse cuisine, including Halal and Kosher meals.

The authority is now trying to take the heat out of the culinary row, which was caused by "a misunderstanding", a spokesman said.

"We don't have a policy that says we only serve English dishes," he added.

The spokesman also explained that groups could bring their own food, but only to the Saxon Suite, which cannot hold 200 diners.

The larger function rooms are served by the Guildhall's central kitchen, operated by council contractor, Fosters.

The spokesman added that, for health and safety reasons, it was difficult to have caterers from two firms working in the same kitchen.

Nevertheless, he said, the council was keen to find a compromise with the Mahmoods.

"We're quite happy to meet with the family again and sort out some of the misunderstandings," he added.

Speaking earlier this week, Mrs Mahmood welcomed the news, and said it might help others families to avoid a similar experience.