Rick Stein is a great man. I really like him. And I really like his TV shows (although the recent French one was pretty rubbish, to be honest). He’s so comfy and lovely and cooks nice fish and has a nice dog and quotes poetry and has a smiley face and makes you think that the world is a better place and makes you think that Cornwall is the greatest place on God’s green Earth.

But wait. It’s difficult to judge a TV personality of course outside of TV land, and I wouldn’t want to cast doubts on his otherwise redoubtable personality here, but it seems he’s thrown his toys out of the pram. Yahoo! reports that Steino has become embroiled in a war of words with local businesses in his home town of Padstow. It seems they don’t appreciate the “glow of publicity” his restaurant manages to generate.

It seems Rick, who seems to own or at least own half the businesses in the undeniably beautiful Padstow, is a bit irked with complaints that the redevelopment work on Prospect House, next to his hotel, is causing a bit of bother.

Traders have complained that building work has been causing chaos to their businesses. Rick, in response, has written: “I am not denying that our building work is causing a nuisance, but I feel some co-operation on your part would have been helpful.

“I have been very lucky to be able to promote my business and of course Padstow as well, through my books and television work.

“I would be charmed if those other businesses that have benefited from the rosy glow of publicity, particularly those whose letting season has been considerably extended, could have shown some sort of recognition for the work done.”

You can see his point of course, but critics of his perceived monopolisation of the town would argue that if he had his way the town should be called Steinville or something.