An Old Portsmouth pub has won the inaugural Fuller's Hampshire Dining Month competition. The Still & West chef Konar Miah beat four finalists in the competition with his dish of Hampshire line-caught mackerel and samphire salad.
Second place went to 18-year old Matt Parkinson, chef at the Wyvern in Lee-on-the-Solent, with his All Hampshire Lavender and Honey Panna Cotta.
The event, which was held in all managed Fuller's pubs in Hampshire to celebrate Hampshire Dining Month, challenged chefs to create a dish using local ingredients. All 31 pubs that entered were visited by one of a team of judges and the best five dishes chosen to go through to the head to head final held at the Wykeham Arms in Winchester.
Konar's prize was a plaque and a weekend break for two. His dish included a local line-caught mackerel on a salad of local samphire and Hampshire watercress, served with a sauce of ginger, garlic, coriander and chilli. The judges praised Konar for a delicious and well-presented dish that made great use of local, sustainable produce.
Simon Emeny, managing director of Fuller's Inns, said: "The standard of dishes was exceptional and it was hard enough choosing the five finalists, let alone the overall winner. I'd like to congratulate all of our chefs on some first class recipes and on the passion they have shown for embracing and working with local suppliers."
The other three finalists in the competition were:
David and Clair Etchell of the Pilgrim's Inn, Marchwood - Three Mile Shop
Tom Lefevre of the Wine Vaults, Southsea - Venison Carpaccio with Beetroot Soup
James McKindland of the King's Head, Wickham - Braised Pork Belly and Langoustines
The runners-up all received a bottle of Champagne, with the second place also taking home a case of London Pride.