There will be more than just great food on the menu at The Andover Tap tomorrow evening as two local personalities go head-to-head in a charity cook-off that promises plenty of flavour, friendly rivalry and fundraising.
From 6pm on Thursday, Tim Abram, landlord of The Andover Tap, will take on local resident, Andover BID Manager, retired Army Major and keen home chef Bill Hawkins, in the inaugural Battle of the Cooks.
With pride, bragging rights and the title of ultimate chef all at stake, the contest will also raise money for Andover Young Carers, with £2 from every main meal sold being donated directly to the local charity.
Diners will have the chance to decide the winner by choosing which dish they want to buy. Bill will be serving a traditional South African-inspired Bunny Chow, featuring a rich curry served in a bread bowl or with yellow rice, alongside optional toppings including sambals, Mrs Ball’s chutney, desiccated coconut and sliced banana.
Meanwhile, Tim will be hoping to tempt customers with his Keema Shakshuka, a Turkish-inspired dish of minced lamb in a rose harissa sauce, topped with a poached egg and served with olive oil griddled sourdough. Guests can personalise the dish with optional toppings including sour cream, coriander, pickled chillies, capers and diced shallots.
Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy desserts for £4.95, although they will not count towards the competition. Bill’s menu features a traditional South African Malva Pudding, while Tim will be serving homemade baklava with set honey yoghurt.
The rules are simple. Customers are encouraged to pre-book to secure priority, then purchase a ticket at the bar for £13.95, before heading outside to collect their chosen meal. With only 20 portions available from each chef, the pressure is on, as victory will go to the first chef to sell out or, if neither does, the one who has sold the most meals by 8pm.
As well as enjoying an evening of great food and friendly competition, everyone taking part will also be supporting an important local cause, with proceeds helping Andover Young Carers continue their work supporting young people across the community.
With two very different menus, two passionate cooks and local bragging rights on the line, all that remains is to answer one question – Team Bill or Team Tim?