Dating back to neolithic times, few culinary traditions have survived as long as the hearty bowl of morning porridge. Despite its simple recipe of oats, salt and water there is A LOT that can vary. Each year the sleepy highland village of Carrbridge awakens with excitement as locals and competitors from around the globe vie for the honour of winning The Golden Spurtle in the World Porridge Making Championships.  

For ageing, charismatic, and soon-to-retire protagonist Charlie Miller, this competition means so much more than just a bowl of steaming oats. With ailing health but a responsibility to his fellow porridge committee members, Charlie is on a mission to secure the future of the championships - and his own legacy.  

Legacy is also at stake for Carrbridge local Ian Bishop. With his health in decline, Ian’s goal is to mount one last glorious attempt to secure the title. But there’s stiff competition. Formidable return competitor Lisa Williams, the queen of porridge, is ready to bring home the trophy. Whilst the new generation of spurtlers Toby Wilson (Australian taco chef armed with and his radical recipe for an oat-based tortilla), and Adam Kiani (armed with his grandmother’s secret stirring technique), both want to challenge the porridge status quo. 

Against the backdrop of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and infused with whimsical humour of an eclectic cast The Golden Spurtle captures the humanity of village life and those who visit with spurtle in hand. 

Part of Sheffield Film Festival, Showroom Cinema’s annual celebration of the city’s rich film heritage and the thriving film culture of Sheffield and the surrounding region.

Director Constantine Costi
Year 2025
Duration 1h 15m
Language English