You may have been following
the progress of Kevin MacLean, Head Chef at the Rat Inn in Anick, who was my
nomination for the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year competition, organised by
the British Pub and Beer Association and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
Kevin was one of four finalists who took part in a cook-off last month in
London, and last night he was announced as the overall winner at a ceremony at
the House of Commons. Kevin’s cook-off creation of pan-fried brill, roasted
Jerusalem artichokes, purple sprouting broccoli, razor clam, parsley and
hazelnut salad with a wild mushroom fricassée wowed the judges, and the dish is
expected to be on the menu at The Rat Inn before too long so you can try it for
yourself!
The Rat Inn is one of the
finest pubs we have in the constituency and I am delighted that Kevin has been
recognised for his fantastic food. Commiserations to the other three finalists
who all did such a great job in the cook-off, and congratulations to Kevin on a
brilliant achievement! Make sure to go along to The Rat Inn and try some of
Kevin’s award-winning cooking- just one of many examples of excellent pub
cooking in Tynedale and Ponteland.