Chef Ethan Rodgers, of The Bakers Arms, Broad Campden, is to defend his Cotswold King of the Yorkshire Pudding title on National Yorkshire Pudding Day, (Sunday 2 February), against some of the best chefs in the area.
Originally, the competition was going to be opened up to the public to take on Ethan, and his, as he says: “Yorkshire game“, but Henry’s Seafood Bar and Grill, head chef, Warwick Nicholson threw his proverbial hat into the ring as well as Dan Keicher, of Arkell’s Brewery’s, The Tavern Inn, in Kemble, the competition has gone back to chefs v chefs. Other competitors include; Shay Briscoe, of Téatro Bar and Restaurant, where the competition will be held, and the line-up is complete with head chef and business owner of Cheeky Swine at Arkell’s Brewery’s Bees Knees, Neil Johnson, also in Cirencester.
The former Cirencester Park Polo Club executive chef has recently joined the newly revamped, Gloucestershire pub – The Bakers Arms. Last year he beat off competition from the head chef of Téatro Bar and Restaurant, Neil Johnson of Cheeky Swine at The Bees Knees, also Cirencester and Danny Field, the executive chef of the Water’s Edge wedding venue, in Ewen, Gloucestershire.
Shay Briscoe, whom has taken over the kitchen of Téatro, and also assumed management duties of the adjoining hotel, Ingleside, said: “It is my first year in the competition and I have heard how fierce things can get out there. I am looking forward to showing what I can do and why my Yorkshire Puddings add to the great Sunday roast we do here“.
Last year, judges were Cotswold Life editor, Candia McKormack, TV’s Dr. Dawn Harper and Camilla Foster, of the Wilts and Glos Standard newspaper. After blind taste testing the decision was unanimous and Ethan was crowned the winner.
One of the new judges for 2025 will be Mark Cummings, the former BBC Gloucestershire, and author of ‘Glorious Gloucestershire’, described as ‘a joyful journey exploring the Gloucestershire streets that gave us Scrooge and Long John Silver.’ Mark is originally from the Yorkshire city of Leeds and is looking forward to joining fellow judge, Candia McKormack of Cotswold Life on the panel. “I retain certain northern characteristics. I.e. love free food, love Yorkshire puddings and hope I’ll be made head judge thanks to my Yorkshire heritage. Keep them crispy, luscious and don’t skimp on the beef fat,” he said.
Ethan is ready for the new competition. “I hope the judges, that I beat last year to win the title will not hold it against me on Sunday February 2,” he said. “To win the award on National Yorkshire Pudding Day, was special. I need to win again anyway, as I broke my Golden Yorkie trophy – oops.”
