North sorbet takes top title

Sep 10 2008 by Jane Hall, The Journal

A SPIRITED sorbet created by a former miner who resurfaced as a luxury dessert maker after 22 years at the coal face, has been crowned Supreme Champion in the Oscars of the food world.

Beckleberry’s blackcurrant and kirsch sorbet has taken the top spot in the Great Taste Awards. It is the second time in three years that the North East has produced a supreme winner in the competition organised by the Guild of Fine Food, with Darlington-based Burtree Farm taking the title in 2005 for their sticky toffee pudding.

The Supreme Champion honour takes to a staggering 46 the number of Great Taste Awards won over the years by Blaydon-based Beckleberry’s, which was set up in 1996 by father and son team Ian and Peter Craig.

Last night Peter, 30, said he and his 58-year-old father were still coming to terms with their latest success, which also saw the blackcurrant and kirsch sorbet take the Northumbria Larder/North East England Food and Drink Group accolade for the best speciality from the North East, as well as the overall English title.

Beckleberry’s won by half a point over Cumbrian-based More? The Artisan Bakery, with their Muddee chocolate pudding.