(l-r) Rib eating winners John Heath and Ryan Morrell, landlord Phil Hoyle and third placed eater Jamie Bruce
Ringwood’s inaugural rib-eating competition at The London Tavern had the most dramatic of finishes – a dead heat.
The large crowd cheered on 13 chompers who gnawed their way through hundreds of pork ribs.
But it was Ryan Morrell and John Heath who came out on top having skinned 28 ribs each in the 15 minutes available.
Close behind them was one of the pre-competition favourites Jamie Bruce, who was just a few ribs short.
The top three received their entry fee back and a prize, and they all indicated a wish to enter again.
The event was part of the Tavern’s music festival weekend that saw top acts perform in the award-winning beer garden.
Landlord Phil Hoyle said: “It was the town’s first rib-eating competition and was a huge success.
“There was a great deal of interest and places filled up quickly, as did the competitors once it began,
“Chef kept a steady flow of ribs coming from the kitchen and tactically those who started too quickly tailed off, but those who paced themselves prospered.
“Our excellent beer really came into its own to wash down the rib meat and we plan to make it an annual event.
“I’d like to thank Thatchers cider for sponsoring the TavFest weekend; we have many more events lined up for the summer and are open every day.”
John Heath, left, joint winner of the London Tavern rib-eating competition
Ryan Morrell, second from right, joint winner of the London Tavern rib-eating competition
Jamie Bruce, third in the London Tavern rib-eating competition
Ends
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 07788392965 or ed.baker@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
