Back in May, stewed! ran a competition through NatMagsʼ 30 Days of Food and Drink celebrations, scouring the country for the ultimate British stew recipe to add to their range for Winter 2010 / 11.

The response was widespread, with recipes pouring in from every corner of the British Isles, ranging - as an encouraging reflection on the cosmopolitan influences that now constitute British cuisine - from curries to traditional Irish stews to innovative combinations like chocolate and beef or lamb with cranberry dumplings. 

Bobʼs Beery Stew -  a twist on a Beef in Ale recipe by Robert Smith of Seal in Kent - has finally been chosen to join stewed!’s internationally-influenced premium ready-made stews. The depth of flavour added by the beer and the masses of hearty, wintery root veggies: carrots, swede and parsnips made it a a winter warmer of the finest tradition.  

A self-confessed infrequent cook, Bob created the stew as a wholesome meal for his young son. He was overwhelmed by his win and the prospect of seeing his name on the side of a stewed! pot. Says Bob: " I am really pleased to have won and hope everyone who tries Bobʼs Beery Stew likes it. Itʼs a first for me, so enjoy the stew.” 

As a gluten-free range, Bob was  pleased to hear that his stew will be made with gluten-free beer as his 10 year old son is autistic and evidence suggest that a gluten-free diet can lessen autistic symptoms, such as impulsive behaviour, lack of focus and even speech problems.

Bob will join stewed! chef-founder Alan Rosenthal in the kitchen for a day in September to work on developing the recipe for manufacture and ready it for national distribution of in January 2011.