AFTER a three-year absence, the Cotswold Yorkshire Pudding Competition is back.

Chefs from across the Cirencester area will go head-to-head in a battle of the batter to be crowned the Cotswold Yorkshire Pudding King.

Neil Johnson, of Cheeky Swine Smokehouse & Grill, and TJ Case, of Téatro, have been announced as the first two competitors who will do battle it out on National Yorkshire Pudding Day, Sunday, February 4. 

An independent panel will judge all four Yorkshire puddings before declaring a winner.

Mr Johnson said that although his smokehouse primarily has a barbecue menu, it also offers roasts every Sunday and he is particularly proud of his Yorkshire puddings. 

He said: “I have worked under many great chefs over the years and have even put my own take on the Yorkie, I will conquer this competition.”   

Mr Case is equally as confident and said: “I have been making Yorkshire puddings for years and truly believe mine are the best in the region, the proof is in the pudding, in the Yorkshire pudding on this occasion.”