Britain can hold its head high among the world's best outdoor cooks after a sterling performance in the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue at the weekend.
The British team, which includes Ben Bartlett of the Union Pub Company, finished tenth overall in the world. Almost 70 teams from around the world competed across ten events at the championships, held in Jack Daniel's hometown of Lynchburg, Tennessee.
The British team also came fourth in the Beef Brisket category and fifth in the world in the Whole Hog event.
Our lads also received an honourable mention for their barbecue sauce - the only condition being that the recipe must include some Jack Daniel's.
The overall Grand Champions were the Boys From Tornado Alley, a team from Sperry, Oklahoma.
More than 25,000 people descended on Lynchburg for the championships. As well as sampling the food, there was the chance to compete in games such as the Rolling Pin Toss, Butt Bowling and the Country Dog Contest, and free tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery.
"Barbecue is no longer just a backyard activity. This competition is for serious competitors," said Jimmy Bedford, Jack Daniel's master distiller. "Lynchburg loves hosting teams from around the world, and, of course, sampling some of the best barbecue you'll ever eat."
Ben Bartlett, catering development manager of Union Pub Company, is taking part in panel debate in the Pub Food Conference in London on November 3. For further details or to book your delegate place, contact Michele Hams on 020 7955 3754 or email mhams@cmpinformation.com. Alternatively, you can go to www.publicanconference.co.uk