Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships 2024

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The Robin Hood Pub Celebrates the Best of UK Independent Crisps

Bristol crunched its way into history with the first-ever Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships, taking place on Saturday 2nd November from 4pm at The Robin Hood Pub, located on St Michael’s Hill.

This exciting event, hosted by The Robin Hood, brought together crisp enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone with a passion for savoury snacks to celebrate and discover some of the finest independent crisp brands from across the UK. With the growing interest in artisan and craft snack options, this championships highlighted the incredible flavours, expertise, and creativity found in the world of independent crisp production.

What Took Place:

A diverse selection of crisps from 31 of the UK’s top independent brands, representing a wide variety of 87 flavours and styles.
A public tasting session where 150 attendees sampled crisps from each brand and voted for their favourites.
Special guest judges from Bristol’s food scene, who helped crown the “Best Independent Crisp” in categories such as Most Unique Flavour, Best Texture, and Overall Champion.

Our Charity Partner

The MAZI Project is a youth-led charity empowering disadvantaged 16-25 year olds through food.

They support care leavers, young asylum seekers, youth recovering from homelessness and fleeing domestic violence.

Find out more

Award Categories:

Best Packaging Design – Celebrating the most eye-catching and creative packaging
Winner: Emily Veg Crisps, Rainbow Roots
Runner up: Boundless, Chipotle and Lime
Most Unique Flavour – Recognising the crisps with the most unusual and adventurous flavour profile
Winner: Savoursmiths, Bubble and Serrano Chilli
Runner up: SHORE, Peking Duck
Best Vegan Crisp – Awarded to the tastiest vegan-friendly crisps
Winner: Brown Bag Crisps, Rosemary and Sea Salt
Runner up: SHORE, Peking Duck
Best Texture – For the crisps with the perfect crunch or mouthfeel
Winner: Simply Roasted, Sea Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar
Runner up: Boundless, Chipotle and Lime
Best Use of Local Ingredients – Highlighting crisps that feature locally sourced ingredients
Winner: Lancashire Crisps, Lancashire Sauce
Runner up: Kent Crisps, Romney Marsh Lamb
Best Flavour Pairing – For the crisps that combine flavours in a perfectly balanced way
Winner: Two Farmers, Mushroom and Wild Garlic
Runner up: Simply Roasted, Duck and Hoisin
Healthiest Crisp – Recognising the most nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavour
Winner: Peapops, Chilli and Lime
Runner up: The Giving Tree, Broccoli Crisps
Best Vegetable Crisp – For the top non-potato-based crisps (e.g., parsnip, beetroot, or kale)
Winner: The Giving Tree, Crispy Sweet Pea
Runner up: The Wholesome Crunch Co., Beetroot Crunch
Best Artisan Crisp – Awarded to the brand that showcases true craftsmanship and small-batch quality
Winner: Savoursmiths, Truffle and Rosemary
Runner up: The Wholesome Crunch Co., Beetroot Crunch
Best Pub Snack Crisp – The crisps that pair best with a pint!
Winner: Yorkshire Crisps, Chardonnay Vinegar
Runner up: Savoursmiths, Wagyu Beef with Honey & English Mustard
Best Eco-Friendly Brand – Celebrating a brand with sustainable practices, such as compostable packaging or environmentally friendly production methods
Winner: Two Farmers, Muschroom and Wild Garlic
Runner up: The Wholesome Crunch Co., Seaweed Crunch
Best Spicy Crisp – For those who like a bit of heat, this award goes to the crisps with the best spicy flavour
Winner: Made for Drink, Chilli & Lemon
Runner up: Brown Bag Crisps, Oak Smoked Chilli
Crisp of the Year – The ultimate accolade for the standout crisp of the event
Winner: Two Farmers, Mushroom and Wild Garlic

Brewery Tap Takeover

Good Chemistry was established in 2015 in a warehouse in St Philips, Bristol, by Bob Cary and Kelly Sidgwick, using a 10-barrel plant. As the name suggests, all brewery and beer logos have a scientific theme. The brewery has a taproom and canned beer shop, and it also operates two pubs in Bristol: the historic King’s Head, BS1, and The Good Measure, Redland.

We be hosted 5 keg and 3 cask lines of Good Chemistry at The Robin Hood during the Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships

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The Judging Panel

Josh Eggleton

Michelin-Starred Chef and Restaurateur

A celebrated name in the culinary world, Josh Eggleton is known for his commitment to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. As a Michelin-starred chef, he brings a refined palate and deep knowledge of flavour pairings to the judging panel, ensuring each entry is evaluated with expertise and precision.

Heather Mack

Green Councillor and Deputy Leader of Bristol Council

Heather is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability and social equity in Bristol. As Deputy Leader of Bristol Council, she champions initiatives that support local businesses and sustainable practices. Her role on the judging panel brings a focus on eco-friendly approaches and community impact.

Matt Horan

Podcaster and Sports Media

Matt is a key figure in the world of cricket media, known for his involvement with the “Tailenders” podcast alongside cricket legends Jimmy Anderson, Greg James, and Felix White. As an influential voice in the world of sports and social media, Matt’s unique perspective will help bring a fresh view to the tasting process and support the community spirit.

Edward Ford

Head of Food and Beverage Operations, Madresfield

Edward brings extensive experience managing high-end food and beverage operations, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and locally sourced ingredients. At Madresfield Estate, he has a reputation for promoting regional flavours and artisanal producers.

Denny Ray Veazey

Chef and Founder, The Hanoi Social

Dennis is known for his innovative culinary approach at The Hanoi Social, where he blends Southeast Asian flavours with local British ingredients. With a keen sense for bold and unique tastes, Dennis will lend his expertise in evaluating the creativity of each entry’s flavour profile.

Jim Walkerdine

Sales Representative, Good Chemistry Brewing

Jim represents one of Bristol’s top independent breweries, Good Chemistry Brewing, known for its craft beer offerings. With a deep understanding of how flavour profiles interact, he will bring a valuable perspective to categories such as “Best Pub Snack Crisp.”

It’s crunch time for the 2025 event in:

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