Search for the n-icest

COMPETITION in an ice cream contest is hotting up.

Chefs from hotels across Gloucestershire competed in the regional heat to make it to the grand final of the contest.

It was part of von Essen hotels’ competition to find a signature ice cream dish.

Guests from across the county, including Gloucester and Cheltenham, were invited to sample the competing ice creams and vote for their favourite.

It was held at the Greenway Hotel in Shurdington.

Chef Matthew Hodgkins, of Buckland Manor, won first place for his rhubarb crumble; Eugene McCluskey, of Washbourne Court in Lower Slaughter, came second for his English Afternoon Tea and Robin Dudley, of The Greenway third for his clotted cream and raspberry.

Stuart Ralston, of Lower Slaughter Manor, came fourth for his apple tarte tartin and Mark Veal, of Thornbury Castle, fifth for his lavender and white chocolate.

The winner will have their ice cream featured on the menu of the top UK hotel chain – with 29 hotels across the country.