BBC TV’s Masterchief judge, Australian restauranteur, John Torode, donned traditional down-under farming attire this week to practice his herding skills on a bunch of limey sheep brought specially to London from the Peak District.
Joined by well-known New Zealand polo player Victoria Grace, the number four female player in the world, and some South African and New Zealand dancers, the celebrity chef was preparing for a weekend celebrating southern hemisphere food, wine and culture at the three-day Toast festival on Clapham Common, south London.
Featuring a series of polo matches between England teams and the southern hemisphere nations, the weekend kicks off today (Friday) with South Africa day, Saturday is New Zealand day and Sunday is Australia day.
John Torode, who was resident chief on the Richard and Judy show for four years before starring on Masterchef and who owns a restaurant in central London, will be at Toast for all three days but will be comparing his home nation’s day on Sunday.
Tickets start from £15 for Friday and £25 per day for the weekend. Friday kicks-off from 3pm till 8.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm.
For more info go to www.toastfestivals.co.uk