News in brief

Jonathan Rest

AXA has paid out £200,000 ($301,978) to chef Heston Blumenthal after he claimed on his insurance policy for business lost owing to a norovirus scare at his three Michelin-starred restaurant, The Fat Duck, in Bray, Berkshire. A spokesman for the restaurant said: “Those seeking further individual compensation are dealing with the insurance company Axa direct and we have no involvement in those claims as it is a private matter between Axa and the individual concerned.” The restaurant was closed for two weeks in February 2009.