Scottish Highlands Scenic Carrbridge, hosts the annual World Porridge Making Championship. It has lately received international acclaim for bringing “The Golden Spurtle” documentary to life. Directed by Constantine Costi, the film captures the essence of this unique competition, which draws contenders from around the globe to showcase their porridge-making skills. This year’s event attracted around 30 competitors, with Adam Kiani from London, but from Birmingham originally, winning the title.
Charlie Miller, the outgoing chieftain of the championship, is a key figure in the documentary. Over the years, he’s presided over the event, helping to maintain the charm and tradition of the event. The competition is local pride incarnate, and it’s every bit as special to the roughly 700 residents of Carrbridge. About 600 of them have told us how much they love it. For the other 100 locals, they’re still pretty unhappy that it’s there.
A Tradition in Carrbridge
Carrbridge, a small village nestled in the scenic Scottish Highlands, transforms each year as it hosts the World Porridge Making Championship. The event has grown into a destination event for both locals and visitors from out of town. The electric atmosphere pulls both participants and spectators in like a magnet. Together they celebrate both the culinary artistry of porridge making and the deep Carrbridge community ethos.
The competition has grown and changed with the times since its founding, bringing in a new mix of interdisciplinary contestants every year. This year, Ian Bishop returned for a spectacular run. The last winner, from 2008, returned to the field after a fifteen-year break. His return contributes an undeniable layer of nostalgia to the event. It is an example of how long lasting, deep connections among participants can develop.
Nick Barnard is a former health food store owner. He is a significant figure in this Indo-Pak tradition, having made it to the finals of the prestigious competition seven times. His repeated participation is a testament to the commitment, effort and passion each of the contestants possess and put into their work. These competitors have created great buzz and hype which is a huge part of what’s made the championship such a cherished event within the whole community.
The Golden Spurtle Documentary
With “The Golden Spurtle,” we wanted to create the sort of filmmaking tribute that lovingly acknowledges the wonderfully wacky World Porridge Making Championship and its colorful denizens. Constantine Costi, who co-directed the film, credits Dimitri Zaunders as the mastermind behind its stark visual style. Together, they journey to experience the vibrant cultures and histories that inspire each finalist’s signature dish. Each of their creative takes on porridge is made possible through this collaboration!
The documentary features not only Charlie Miller and Ian Bishop but introduces viewers to other contestants who share their passion for porridge making. With interviews and fly-on-the-wall footage, Costi crafts a poignant portrait of the participants in this annual event. The goal of the film is to awaken people to the beauty of porridge and all the imaginative things that can be done with it.
The documentary has found the same success outside of Scotland too, winning over audiences across the world with its heartfelt look at community and tradition. Despite this, it provides an interesting glimpse into the ways food fosters community, with a particular emphasis on the oddity of porridge-making competitions.
Celebrating Culinary Achievements
The 2023 championship wrapped up with Adam Kiani claiming the third generation’s golden wrench holder title. His win represented a high point in his own culinary journey. It created a delicious, competitive edge that layered the buzz for this year’s event even more. Even more impressive, Caroline Velik of Australia recently took gold in the specialty dish category in October, bringing more international talent to the field of competitors.
These honors showcase the artistry and competitive nature that pushes everyone involved to be the best in and out of their craft. Classic recipes inspire passion, but new moves make the battle fresh. This new dynamic is what makes the show so engaging for contestants and viewers alike.
As Charlie Miller turns in his wooden spoon and retires as chieftain, his legacy will no doubt live on. We attribute this to Kelly’s leadership in creating the right atmosphere for competitors and supporters alike to create an authentic community. With its bright future ahead, the championship is still drawing scores of fresh talent and upholding the traditions that have made it so beloved.
