Whilst the team of critics, including Tom Parker Bowles, Matthew Fort and Tracey MacLeod were unable to recognise some everyday items such as flageolet beans and goat meat, the winning team that comprised Antonio Carluccio, Oliver Rowe and Anna Hansen successfully identified unusual items such as sea urchin, dragon fruit and roasted scorpions.

Compere Bill Knott, said: “Under the watchful eye of a live audience, the teams happily put themselves up for scrutiny and, in the case of sampling a roasted scorpion from Thailand, some less than pleasant taste sensations! Their willing participation has been invaluable in helping raise awareness of Action Against Hunger and the vital funds it generates to fight hunger and malnutrition worldwide.”

The taste challenge, in support of humanitarian organisation Action Against Hunger, took place in the Live Demonstration Theatre at Taste of London in Regent’s Park.  Each team member was blindfolded and asked to identify a selection of mystery ingredients.

The Taste of London festival runs until Sunday 21st June.

Notes to editors:

Action Against Hunger will be at Taste of London for the full four days at Stand R3 selling deli bags filled with naughty and nice gourmet products, selling cakes and running daily raffles to win prizes donated by top chefs and restaurants.

‘Fight hunger. Eat out’

Throughout October, and centred around World Food Day on the 16th, restaurants, chefs and food critics nationwide join forces to raise money for Action Against Hunger.  Restaurants support the campaign by adding 50p on a special dish, or 50p-£2 on customers’ bills. www.restaurantsagainsthunger.org