Chefs cooked up a storm in Saundersfoot on Saturday as they served up a challenge for the village’s famous cawl contest.

The Cawl Cooking Championship of the World....and Elsewhere saw seven eating establishments in the village dish out gallons of the tasty Welsh delicacy (with one Dutch variant!).

Hundreds of hungry taste-testers on the community cawl trail, organised by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism, cast their votes.

And first-time entrants, The Boathouse, received nearly 50 per cent of first placings to edge three-times winners, The Old Chemist Inn, into second place, with The Salvage Bar third.

Boathouse chef Guiseppe Trimarco, Dylan Griffin, who works on front of house, and owner Leigh Evans put their heads together to devise the winning lamb-based recipe.

“We all had an input and have eaten rather a lot of cawl in the process,” said Leigh.

“It’s been great to support the Chamber and get involved in what’s going on in Saundersfoot.”

All of the 350 commemorative cawl bowls were sold out for the event, which also featured a Welshfest in the Regency Hall with live music, traditional Welsh teas and local produce and crafts.

Said Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism chairman, Phil Odley: “The standard of all the cawl was the highest-ever, and all the comments which came back were very positive.

“We’re delighted with the way the day went - although the weather wasn’t great, there’s been a lovely atmosphere around the village.

“The event does so much to promote Saundersfoot and the efforts and hard work of all involved are so valuable and appreciated.”

As well as those who provided cawl, Mr. Odley thanked everyone at the Regency Hall and their team of volunteers, who not only helped with the venue, made tea and coffee, but made and served delicious cawl as well.

He added: “Thanks also to Michelle and Natalya Hinde for organising the stalls, St. Issell’s and Saundersfoot WIs for their delicious traditional Welsh baked goods and to all those Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism members who helped in any way.”

There was also a special Chairman’s Choice cawl award from Mr. Odley, Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Tony Brinsden and Saundersfoot Community Council chairman, Sue Boughton-Thomas, and this went to the Beachside Barbecue.

The village Dragon Trail was won by Dulcie John, Elliot Brown and Kezia Rees, while Lucy Humphrey, aged seven, and three-year-old Katy Humphrey won the fancy dress. All received a goody bag including a cuddly dragon and a Welsh flag.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography