FareShare hosts top chef crumble competition at Dovetale in aid of Christmas food insecurity campaign

Food redistribution charity FareShare hosted a special get-together at Dovetale in Mayfail this week. In partnership with British Berry Growers and supplier Driscoll’s, the charity launched the inaugural Berry Crumply Christmas campaign to raising awareness of food insecurity during the festive season – and chef Jemma Harrison was announced the winner.

The competition featured a panel of judges including Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, musician and activist Professor Green and food writer Melissa Hemsley. They assessed entries based on taste, presentation and originality, selecting Harrison’s burnt butter and festive spice-infused Mince Pie Apple and Blackberry Crumble from a shortlist of versions created by a group of London chefs and culinary creatives. Other entrants included Sam Lawrence of Lulu’s and Llewelyn’s, Ana Da Costa (known online as @_lotsofbutter), Chef Toto of The Felix Project’s Poplar Kitchen in East London, and Dovetale’s own head chef Nick Grieves. The dishes presented ranged from traditional fruit crumbles to more unconventional takes, such as a Strawberry and Coconut Crumble served with pandan custard.

Harrison, who previously worked at London restaurants Koya and Jolene, launched her own pop-up concept Kaunter earlier this year. Her crumble, which features a crust made with melted brown butter and a filling that blends apples, blackberries and a homemade mince pie mixture, will now be prepared in FareShare kitchens all over the UK during the Christmas period. The charity will distribute the desserts to community groups and organisations that support people experiencing food poverty as part of their Together at the Table campaign.

In the true spirit of Christmas, Driscoll’s has pledged to donate fresh berries to support the initiative, which forms part of FareShare’s broader winter work. The aim is to emphasise the role of food in fostering community and connection during the colder months, and the disparity between those who have and those who have not at this time of year. The charity explains Together at the Table “highlights the power of food to bring people together”.

Donations contributing to FareShare’s winter fundraising can be made online via the charity’s campaign page:

Food Desk

For further information about FareShare or to donate, visit the charity’s website here.