A luxury hotel in Cheltenham has denied claims by animal rights protestors it is selling foie gras.

The Western Animal Rights Network held a demonstration outside Hotel on the Park, in Evesham Road, after reports its restaurant menu included the controversial pate made from the inflamed liver of a duck or goose.

Three activists, who brandished placards and chanted their message through a megaphone to passing cars, claimed the plush hotel was reneging on a promise made two years ago to stop selling the delicacy.

But hotel owner Benjamin Bowen, who took over the business in September 2007, said the activists were mistaken. "They are wrong. We are not selling foie gras at the moment. We have not been selling it for more than a year," he said.

"I believe any agreement made with them was done by the hotel's previous management and it is not something I would agree to.

"We took foie gras off the menu because it was not selling, not because of any animal rights issues.

"I also noticed one of the protestors was wearing trainers which I believe have been proved to be made by exploited young children."

Foie gras is produced by force-feeding birds through a tube which is inserted down their throats. The extra food causes their livers to swell with fat – producing the buttery consistency associated with the dish.

It is illegal to produce the delicacy in 13 countries in Europe, including the UK, but there are no restrictions on restaurateurs who choose to import foie gras from abroad.

The 'delicacy' has been the subject of numerous national and international campaigns. Last month former James Bond actor Roger Moore launched a fresh one, describing the practice as "vile" and "ridiculous".

Chris Marshall, who led yesterday's demonstration, said the group was campaigning to rid Cheltenham of businesses which sold foie gras.

The 25-year-old said: "There are only a few restaurants left now which still have it on their menu.

"We will keep campaigning and making a noise until it is gone for good. We were told Hotel on the Park was selling it by one of our group who went into the restaurant a few weeks ago.

"We believe it is still being sold now, despite what we were promised two years ago."

On the hotel's a la carte menu, available on its website, foie gras appears on the list of starters priced at £14.

But Mr Bowen said this was a mistake and the online menu would soon be changed.

He also alleged one of the activists stepped in to the hotel's grounds and said he would prosecute for trespassing. He said: "I do not mind protestors holding whatever demonstration they like, but they must do it within the boundaries of the law."