British Live Fire Cooking Championships
Kadai set out to bring something different to the table with the British Live Fire Cooking Championships. This competition invites passionate outdoor cooks to showcase their skills in live-fire cooking, offering a diverse array of dishes beyond the usual BBQ fare. Unlike other contests, entry is free, and the public plays a crucial role in selecting the finalists, driving excitement and engagement. The culmination of this unique event will take place at the Ludlow Food Festival.
the Organisers
At Kadai, we’ve spent the last 20 years pioneering live fire cooking in the UK, bringing traditional Indian fire bowls into homes and gardens to create authentic, live fire cooking experiences. With a deep love for craftsmanship, heritage, and the primal connection to fire, we’ve built a brand that celebrates cooking, community, and creativity over an open flame.
But we wanted to take things further.
The British Live Fire Cooking Championships was born from a desire to bring something different to the table, a competition that breaks away from the expected and challenges cooks to redefine live fire cooking.
Step up. Fire up. And dare to barbecue differently.
the Hosts
Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, Ludlow is a town steeped in history and renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The Ludlow Food Festival, is the UK's original food festival, which has been celebrating the finest local and seasonal produce from the Marches region since 1995. Visitors can explore a dynamic programme of cooking demonstrations, workshops, and tastings, all while engaging with over 100 independent food and drink producers.
Ludlow itself is known as a foodie hotspot, once home to more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere outside London. Its market town setting, makes it the ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to authentic, bold, and creative cooking.
Step up. Fire up. And dare to barbecue differently!
Take a Look Back at 2025
From the 12th to the 14th of September, our three finalists, David Hill, Adam Lloyd, and Nick Smith, went head-to-head live on stage to compete for the title of British Live Fire Cooking Champion.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic DJ BBQ, the judging panel across the weekend featured some of the UK's most exciting food talent, including TV chef Jeremy Pang, Matblak, Murf from The Beefy Boys, Mike Warner, and Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire BBQ. Regular judge Adam Purnell (Shropshire Lad) joined all three rounds, bringing his experience and passion for fire cooking to the table.
Three Show Stopping Rounds
Round One – Signature Burger
We kicked off with a live fire staple: the Signature Burger. Round Two – Surf & Turf
The pressure ramped up in Round Two: Surf & Turf. Scores from Round One carried over, and the contestant with the lowest total after this round would be eliminated. Round Three – The Final: "One Country, Two Dishes"
The final round took place under dramatic skies and heavier rain. With parts of the festival evacuated due to the weather, Ludlow Castle became a moody but magical backdrop. Only those in the Inner Bailey remained, creating what might just be the first-ever Castle Lock-In!
Step up. Fire up. And dare to barbecue differently!
the First BLFCC
From the 12th to the 14th of September, our three finalists, David Hill, Adam Lloyd, and Nick Smith, went head-to-head live on stage to compete for the title of British Live Fire Cooking Champion.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic DJ BBQ, the judging panel across the weekend featured some of the UK's most exciting food talent, including TV chef Jeremy Pang, Matblak, Murf from The Beefy Boys, Mike Warner, and Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire BBQ. Regular judge Adam Purnell (Shropshire Lad) joined all three rounds, bringing his experience and passion for fire cooking to the table.
Live From the Fire Stage
Round One – Signature Burger
We kicked off with a live fire staple: the Signature Burger. Round Two – Surf & Turf
The pressure ramped up in Round Two: Surf & Turf. Scores from Round One carried over, and the contestant with the lowest total after this round would be eliminated. Round Three – The Final: "One Country, Two Dishes"
The final round took place under dramatic skies and heavier rain. With parts of the festival evacuated due to the weather, Ludlow Castle became a moody but magical backdrop. Only those in the Inner Bailey remained, creating what might just be the first-ever Castle Lock-In!
