Bristol pub to host first ever independent crisp tasting championship and anyone can get involved

A Bristol pub is hosting an inaugural Independent Crisp Tasting Championships next month. The Robin Hood pub, located on St Michael’s Hill, aims to bring together crisp enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone with a passion for savoury snacks for the event.

The pub has just been taken over by three friends and has recently welcomed a Vietnamese street food pop-up to its kitchen. One of its new owners, Theo Cernow-Cooke, said he came up with the idea of a crisp competition after his partner Kate made him some homemade beetroot crisps.

“I thought they were so good that I suggested she go for an award somewhere”, he added. “I guessed there would be a crisp tasting competition she could enter somewhere, so I searched high and low on the internet only to find that there is not.

“It’s amazing seeing as we live in the UK, the home of the crisp. But it seems this event is a first.” The Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships will take place on Saturday, November 2, from 4pm at The Robin Hood pub.

With a growing interest in artisan and craft snack options, The Robin Hood pub’s crisp championships will “highlight the incredible flavours, craftmanship, and creativity found in the world of independent crisp production”. The event also highlights how, despite crisps and beer having been a quintessential British pairing for decades, the tradition is currently under threat.

According to figures from the BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association), the number of pubs in the UK has been steadily declining from 69,000 in 1980 to just 47,200 in 2019, and it further dropped to 46,350 by the end of 2021.

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So, as larger corporations dominate the crisp market, events like the Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships aim to revive and celebrate the diversity and craftmanship of independent crisp makers, alongside the ‘classic’ pub experience.

The team at the Robin Hood Pub said: “Independent food and drink producers are the heartbeat of our communities, fuelling our sense of identity and connection to local culture. The Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships is a call to embrace our distinct tastes and celebrate the flavours that make each region unique.

“It’s a testament to the values of sustainability, quality, and craftsmanship that independent producers bring to the table—an invitation to rediscover the joy of tasting something truly special and uniquely British.”

What you can expect during the Championships

The Championships will see a diverse selection of crisps from more than 30 of the UK’s top independent brands, representing a wide variety of flavours and styles. The list has been carefully researched and created to ensure that only independent brands are featured.

There will be a public tasting session where attendees can sample crisps from each brand and vote for their favourites. Theo said: “People can just turn up and anyone can get involved.

“It’s part of The Robin Hood‘s ethos of being a neighbourhood, community-driven pub in that we do not close the doors. We don’t do private ticketed events or allow people to book out the whole pub. To us, a good local must be open to all, always.

“There might be a bit of a queue on St Michael’s Hill on the day, but we will get everyone in to taste and vote!” This community vibe continues through the doors, with live music and drinks from The Robin Hood bar, on the day.

The team are also in the process of putting together a panel of special guest judges from Bristol’s food and celebrity scene. The panel will help crown the ‘Best Independent Crisp’ among a range of categories – including:

1. Best Packaging Design – Celebrating the most eye-catching and creative packaging

2. Most Unique Flavour – Recognising the crisps with the most unusual and adventurous flavour profile

3. Best Vegan Crisp – Awarded to the tastiest vegan-friendly crisps

4. Best Texture – For the crisps with the perfect crunch or mouthfeel

5. Best Use of Local Ingredients – Highlighting crisps that feature locally sourced ingredients

6. Best Flavour Pairing – For the crisps that combine flavours in a perfectly balanced way

7. Healthiest Crisp – Recognising the most nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavour

8. Best Vegetable Crisp – For the top non-potato-based crisps (e.g., parsnip, beetroot, or kale)

9. Best Artisan Crisp – Awarded to the brand that showcases true craftsmanship and small-batch quality

10. People’s Choice Award – The crowd’s favourite, as voted by all attendees

11. Best Pub Snack Crisp – The crisps that pair best with a pint!

12. Best Eco-Friendly Brand – Celebrating a brand with sustainable practices, such as compostable packaging or environmentally friendly production methods

13. Best Spicy Crisp – For those who like a bit of heat, this award goes to the crisps with the best spicy flavour

14. Crisp of the Year – The ultimate accolade for the standout crisp of the event

“We’re thrilled to be hosting this unique event that shines a light on the incredible quality and variety of independent crisps available in the UK,” said Courtney Salmon, another co-owner of The Robin Hood Pub. “It’s a chance for people to come together, taste something new, and support small producers making a big impact.”