A GWENT chef who runs a restaurant dubbed the best in Wales has denied that sexual discrimination took place against a female chef there, describing it as "banter".

Giving evidence at a hearing today at Caradog House in Cardiff, Stephen Terry who runs the Hardwick restaurant in Abergavenny said 19-year-old Chloe Maisey, from Pontyclun, never raised any issues with him.

The hearing was told Maisey's allegations included that she was shut in a freezer, given an electric shock, had a mouse thrown at her, had her keys taken from her handbag, vacuum packed and taped to a wall. She also alleged that one of the chefs threatened her.

In October 2013 the Hardwick was named best restaurant in Wales for the second year running by the National Restaurant Awards.

Proceeding.