Who can batter the reigning Cotswold King of the Yorkshire Pudding?
A chef is set to defend his title as the Cotswold King of the Yorkshire Pudding, but with a delightful twist, Chef Ethan Rodgers, from The Bakers Arms in Broad Campden will not be pitting his skills against fellow chefs but rather against skilled home cooks in celebration of National Yorkshire Pudding Day.
Having recently taken over the kitchen at the newly refurbished Gloucestershire pub, The Bakers Arms, the former executive chef of Cirencester Park Polo Club dazzled last year by triumphing over top culinary contenders. His competitors included Neil Johnson of Cheeky Swine at The Bees Knees and Danny Field from Water's Edge wedding venue in Ewen, both based in Cirencester, as well as the head chef of Teatro Bar and Restaurant.
This year, Shay Briscoe, who has stepped up to helm Teatro's kitchen and oversee the operations of the connected Ingleside hotel, along with Neil Johnson, are serving as judges. They will adjudicate whether Ethan can retain his esteemed Golden Yorkshire Pudding award for a second consecutive year.
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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.
Confident and eager for the upcoming bout, Ethan recalled last year's triumph, "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."
Ethan has kicked off 2025 at The Bakers Arms, a 19th Century former Flowers Brewery pub. It was reopened last year after being purchased by Broad Campden residents, Richard and Gail Smith, who have leased it to The Relish Group.