The Golden Spurtle

The Golden Spurtle

29/8/2025 1h 15m 6.7/10

Overview

In a quaint Scottish village in the Highlands, contenders from around the globe gather to compete for the title of World Porridge Champion armed only with oats, salt and water. As the ailing Porridge Chieftain's tenure ends, he embarks on a mission to find a successor. Amidst intense rivalries and the charm of eccentric locals, this documentary delves into the legacy of the village and unveils a captivating culinary spectacle.

Director

Constantine Costi

Top Billed Cast

Charlie Miller

Self

Toby Wilson

Self

Lisa Williams

Self

Ian Bishop

Self

Adam Kiani

Self

Reviews

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

9/17/2025

7/10

I did wonder quite why Screen Australia had invested in a documentary about making porridge in the Scottish Highlands, but then we are introduced to a Sydney resident who like people from Canada, England, Holland and even Zimbabwe has travelled to the village of Carrbridge in the Cairngorms and it becomes a bit clearer. It’s here that every year for the last thirty, Charlie Miller has organised the World Porridge Making Championships. He has long retired from his professional career and now augments the funds of his organisation by turning the odd spurtle - including a golden one which is the grand prize. All comers must conform to the same rules and are allowed half an hour to make the perfect dish! It’s the Scots tradition to use water (I only ever use milk) and some folks put sea-salt in it too, but the three judges on hand to award the very distinctive trophy know exactly what they are looking for: colour, texture and taste. Aside from learning about the difference between pinhead oats and ordinary ones, we also learn a little about this engaging gent and his lively and quirky community nestled amidst the hills and only a short hop from the Spey - the source of water for so many of the nation’s famous malt whiskies. The documentary takes us behind the scenes as they erect the tent, dress the village hall and even iron the flags that adorn the walls before the big day (and a thunderstorm) arrives. It’s a simply told story that relies on friendly, informative and cheeky contributions from residents, the competitors and from the typically understated Miller himself as he looks to retire, through ill-health, after this 2023 event. I’m not so sure about putting honey on it, but I do quite like cinnamon on mine - and I even picked the winner, too!

Similar Movies

Tunes of Glory

7.1

Tunes of Glory

1960

The Princess Stallion

7.4

The Princess Stallion

1997

Breaking the Waves

7.5

Breaking the Waves

1996

Thunder in the Valley

7.5

Thunder in the Valley

1947

Son of the White Mare

7.6

Son of the White Mare

1981

Christmas in the Highlands

5.2

Christmas in the Highlands

2019

Moose in the Glen

0.0

Moose in the Glen

2008

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas

6.5

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas

2023

A Baby Reindeer's First Christmas

10.0

A Baby Reindeer's First Christmas

2020

Against the Tide

6.0

Against the Tide

2021

Ministry of Food Cookery Hints No. 1: Oatmeal Porridge

7.0

Ministry of Food Cookery Hints No. 1: Oatmeal Porridge

1940

Anti Pollution Pirates

0.0

Anti Pollution Pirates

2025

The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris Townsend

0.0

The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris Townsend

2013

The Munro King

0.0

The Munro King

2025