Ludlow, UK – September 2024
First Ever British Live Fire Cooking Championships Ignites at Ludlow Food Festival
The heat was on at the Kadai Fire Stage as the first-ever British Live Fire Cooking Championships unfolded at the renowned Ludlow Food Festival. From September 13th to 15th, the live fire finalists Joe Gregory, Wayne Smith, and Mark Hammond, competed head-to-head in a sizzling contest filled with flavour, flair, and fire mastery.
Hosted by the charismatic DJ BBQ, the competition attracted passionate food lovers eager to witness the finest in live-fire cooking. With each round providing a unique culinary challenge, contestants battled to impress the expert judges and the lively crowd at every turn.
The panel of esteemed judges brought a wealth of expertise and passion to the competition. Adam Purnell (Shropshire Lad) from Embers Café lent his fire-cooking mastery alongside Murph from the Beefy Boys and Sarit Packer & Itamar Srulovich from London’s beloved Honey & Co Restaurant. Kate Humble, celebrated broadcaster and food enthusiast, and Genevieve Taylor, renowned live fire chef brought their culinary expertise . And finally, Sam & Shauna, known for their BBQ brilliance, adding their signature flair to ensure the competition’s dishes were judged with expert eyes.
Round 1: Friday, September 13th
Friday Night Fakeaway
The contestants kicked off by reinventing takeaway classics over live fire, presenting flame-grilled take on fish and chips, delicious kebabs, and creative curries. Joe Gregory showcased his inventive style, while Mark Hammond and Wayne Smith delivered deliciously diverse takes on traditional favourites.
Round 2: Saturday, September 14th
Fridge Raider
The second round ramped up the pressure with the surprise ingredients revealed just 15 minutes before the contestants started cooking. Wayne Smith gave an impressive performance and the scores were tight, but was ultimately knocked out, leaving Joe Gregory and Mark Hammond to move on to the final showdown.
Round 3: Sunday, September 15th
Ludlow Food Festival 30th Anniversary Meal
The grand finale tasked Joe Gregory and Mark Hammond with creating their best two-course celebration meal. After a thrilling battle, it was Mark Hammond’s fire-cooked creativity that earned him the title of British Live Fire Cooking Champion.
As ongoing sponsors of the Fire Stage, Kadai’s versatile barbecues and cookware accessories, set the stage for this exciting culinary spectacle, celebrating the rich tradition of live-fire cooking using local charcoal and wood supplied by Love Logs.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered the British Live Fire Cooking Championships, to those who came to watch and cheer on the contestants, and to everyone who supported the competition behind the scenes. Your enthusiasm, energy, and passion for live-fire cooking made the event truly special. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we look forward to seeing you all again, in 2025, for another unforgettable culinary celebration!
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