A PROUD city centre pub chef has been crowned the UK’s barbecue champion in a battle of Britain’s best.
The Boot’s head chef, 45-year-old Fiona Dulake, of Worley Road, won the British BBQ Battle 2013, fighting it out with a menu of Newlyn Sardine Splash, Queenie’s Mustard Gammon Steak and Kentish Marshmallows.
Fiona (pictured) entered her three-course menu in the pub category and was picked from hundreds of applicants to barbecue against the other three categories; hotels, golf clubs and universities.
She said: “Our main aim was to win the pub category, we didn’t expect to win the whole competition. I was so happy I cried! I think we won because our food was simple, fresh and unusual. I’m very proud.”
Fiona hopes that her victory will entice people to come and try The Boot’s new menu, which is out in a couple of weeks and includes some of the dishes conjured up for the competition.
The avid barbecue fan has been working at the pub in Market Place for three years after developing a love affair with food at the age of 20.
Along with the title of British BBQ Battle Champion, Fiona won a £3,000 barbecue, 28-inch television and stainless steel chef’s table.
