Lymington Seafood Festival organisers team up with Cambium Restaurant at Careys Manor in Brockenhurst to launch amateur chefs cook-off

ORGANISERS of the much-anticipated Lymington Seafood Festival have teamed up with Careys Manor to launch a cook-off celebrating amateur chefs.

Foodies who fancy themselves in the kitchen are invited to send photos of their culinary creations, with eight finalists then being selected to show off their skills at this summer’s festival.

The theme will centre on New Forest produce, and judges led by head chef at Cambium restaurant, Dylan James, will be looking for innovation, a balance of flavours and, of course, a “bit of fun”.

The winning chef will take home the first ever Big Careys Cook Off trophy, sample a six-course tasting menu at Cambium, and win a bottle of Hattingley Valley Classic Cuvee and a Flint & Flame Pre Series chef’s knife.

Armed with a list of ingredients and a larder of local produce, the shortlisted eight chefs will be encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Their dishes will then be judged by Dylan James, TV presenter and food expert Chris Bavin, and award-winning Royal Culinary Arts member Jen Williams, from Hordle-based Naked Jam.

Festival organiser Richard Nowell said this year’s competition is a great way to add a “competitive edge” to the event’s cookery school.

“We’re a nation of foodies and for years we’ve all sat watching TV cooking programmes and wondering if our skills in the kitchen could cut the mustard,” he said, adding: “The Big Careys Cook Off will also showcase all the brilliant local produce right on our doorstep.”

General manager of Careys Manor, Steve Woodrow, said the contest was about celebrating the “incredible flavours of the New Forest”.

“This fun and friendly competition invites local food enthusiasts to create dishes inspired by our beautiful region,” he said. “At Careys Manor Hotel, we’re passionate about supporting our community and showcasing the best of local produce — we can’t wait to see what our talented amateur cooks bring to the table."

The festival’s cookery school will be hosting a range of other classes, for kids as well as adults, including a ‘Donate What You Feel’ bake-off-style class that will raise money for Olivia Inspires.

Entries are now open, and will close on 10th June. Those taking part must be aged 18 and over. For details about how to enter, visit www.lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk

Lymington Seafood Festival takes place at Bath Road Recreation Ground between 11th and 13th July. There will be demonstrations by top local chefs, dozens of food stalls, and a music stage welcoming 14 bands across the three days.

Tickets are priced £10 for adults and £3 for kids aged six to 16. Weekend tickets cost £25.