HE'S mean, moody and a terror in the kitchen - but when the Argus met top chef Gordon Ramsay on the streets of Abergavenny, he was as sweet as pie.

The Hell's Kitchen star, who was yesterday filming a follow-up to his successful Channel Four show Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, even broke into his tight schedule to spare us a quick interview

Ramsay's Kitchen NIghtmares featured the famous Monmouthshire restaurant, The Walnut Tree Inn at Llandewi Skirrid in May.

Owners Francesco and Enrica Mattioli took part in the programme billed as an insight into the inimitable chef as he helps to turn around struggling restaurants.

The inn had suffered a series of blows leading up to the programme: losing its chef Stephen Terry and its Michelin star.

Mr and Mrs Mattioli had agreed to do the programme so that Mr Ramsay, 37, could help them find a suitable head chef.

The programme featured the recruitment of new head chef Spencer Ralph.

Initially after filming took place, Mrs Mattioli said she was angry that Mr Ramsay had "publicly attacked" their prices and feared that the TV show would misrepresent them.

But just one week after the programme was aired on Channel 4, business was booming, bookings were up by 30 per cent and the Mattiolis admitted it was busier than ever.

Speaking to the Argus yesterday, Mr Ramsay said: "We have been filming in the town and speaking to locals who have been to the Walnut Tree Inn since the programme aired.

"The response from those I have spoken to has been really positive and encouraging."

Although Mr Ramsay was visiting the Walnut Tree yesterday afternoon, he was not able to stay in the town for this weekend's Abergavenny Food Festival.

But he said that the festival, which is fast becoming one of the biggest culinary events on the Welsh calendar, is "paramount" to the food industry.

He said: "It's a great festival. Unfortunately I haven't been to one yet due to commitments but I will try and attend next year.

"It's only two hours from London and people come from all over Wales and beyond to visit the event.

"The influx of street markets and going back to the origins of produce is so important, certainly with the high quality of produce such as Welsh lamb coming out of Wales at the moment, this festival is important for restaurants.

"I hope the festival continues and we should encourage it."

Festival organiser, Martin Orbach said: "We would be delighted if Mr Ramsay came to the event next year, he would be very welcome."