…That is one of the world’s great taste experiences… they are just unbelievably tasty.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
…they are incomparable.
Chef & food writer
…that’s as good as fish gets.
Archaeologist, historian, author & broadcaster
That is just beautiful. It is just perfect.
Presenter & columnist
I have never tasted Arbroath Smokie like that in my life. That is just sensational — you’re just in a different realm.
Chef, teacher, author & presenter
That fish is just fantastic. It doesn’t really get better than that.
Chef, restaurateur & presenter
I am not a fan of the term ‘food hero’… if I was forced to choose one person to bear that burden it would be Iain R. Spink, the guardian of the Arbroath Smokie…
Food writer, author & broadcaster
They were delicious…
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
It has a rich creaminess and moisture, and fresh like that is undoubtedly the best way to eat Smokies.
Food writer, author & columnist
…eye-opening, a revelation in taste and texture
Cook, food writer, author & presenter
That flavour was just so immense… A delight to eat your food… This man is creating a whole new culinary education.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
The moist warm flesh is divine. It is one of the best fish I have ever tasted.
Food writer, author & columnist
Simply some of the most delicious fish I’ve ever had. Nice one, Iain.
Chef, restaurateur, author & presenter
Arbroath Smokies produced by Arbroath-based Iain R Spink’s Original Smokies from Arbroath Ltd have been named as one of the Top 50 Foods within the UK. The list was drawn up as part of the Guild of Fine Food’s annual Great Taste accreditation scheme, which saw 8,807 food and drink products blind-tasted and whittled down over the course of 45 days by 350 experts.
The top 50 food and drink products were chosen from the 123 entries that had gained a coveted 3-star gold and each one has now been nominated for a Golden Fork Award, the highest accolade in fine food and drink which will be announced at the Awards’ dinner at London’s Royal Garden Hotel this September.
Judges this year included Masterchef winner and restaurateur Mat Follas, restaurant critic and Masterchef judge Charles Campion, food writers Lucas Hollweg and Xanthe Clay and over 300 food buyers from leading food halls, delicatessens and farm shops, including Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason. Guild of Fine Food chairman Bob Farrand said that each of the food and drink products entered into Great Taste undergoes the most rigorous scrutiny.
“To achieve a 3-star grading involves at least 25 experts unanimously agreeing that the product tastes divine,” he said. “But to be included in the Top 50 Foods in Britain meant each one had to satisfy the discerning palates of a further 25 dedicated foodies. These products all deliver the most extraordinary taste.”
Iain R Spink, manging director of Original Smokies from Arbroath Ltd said :
“I am absolutely delighted to win this very prestigious award,-probably the highest accolade achievable for any artisan food producer. There are hundreds of truly fantastic foods available all over the UK, so being selected as one of the UK’s ‘Top 50 Great Tastes’ make me very proud of my product. Great Taste recognises the craft, dedication and passion that goes into making truly outstanding food and drink”
Iain R Spink
Buy your Smokies now – your Smokies will keep in the fridge for a week and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Eat hot or cold – see our recipes page for more info. Smokies will keep in the fridge for a week and up to 3 months in the freezer. You’ll find more info in the FAQs
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