SWEET-toothed Tom Dixon – a descendant of one of Pontefract's largest liquorice-growing families – shared his expertise with a top chef for BBC2's Great British Menu programme.
Eagle-eyed viewers last night will have spotted the 73-year-old helping Michelin-starred Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell prepare a powder from liquorice root in the kitchen of his home at Narrow Beck Farm, where his great-grandfather used to harvest th
e crop.
In the popular series, two chefs representing one of seven British regions – this week Glynn Purnell and Nottingham-based Sat Bains – compete to make a starter, fish course, main course and a dessert for a panel of judges for a chance to serve their dish at a prestigious banquet in London’s “Gherkin” building.
Mr Dixon, who gives talks about liquorice around the country, said: “Glynn was a really nice man, and it was brilliant having him cook in my kitchen. He prepared some liquorice powder from liquorice root and then used it to flavour venison.
“Glynn was fascinated by the history of liquorice and its ties with Pontefract. He said that whenever anyone mentions Pontefract, the first thing to come to mind is liquorice. The town is world-famous for it.”
Mr Dixon, a member of Pontefract Liquorice Trust, will be showing visitors around the liquorice bushes of his gardens for a second year during this summer’s Pontefract Liquorice Festival.
As the Express reported last month, the festival – which took place over nine days last year – will be cut back to one weekend this summer after the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England said they could no longer help to pay for it.
Last year’s festival cost around £100,000 to stage, but the budget for this July’s event is £30,000.
Mr Dixon said: “I hope my appearance on the programme helps publicise the festival, which is a brilliant event for celebrating the town’s heritage and history with liquorice.”
For more information about Pontefract Liquorice Festival, visit www.pontefractliquorice.co.uk.
l To sponsor or support the festival call Bev Adams, project manager, on 01924 335985 or Alan Bell on 07795 023771.
Alternatively, telephone Laura Milner, liquorice trust administrator, on 07823 329739 or email laura@pontefractliquorice.co.uk.
The full article contains 380 words and appears in Ponte and Cas Express newspaper.
