Web biscuit buff turns top critic

Stuart Payne has the pick of the packets from across the world

A father of two has become one of the world's most sought-after biscuit critics after setting up a website devoted to a great British snack.

Stuart Payne, 39, a website developer from Cambridge, began his site as a light-hearted way of expressing his love of a biscuit.

BBC News Online reported on his unusual hobby at the beginning of the month. Now the site is getting 4,000 visitors a day and manufacturers from around the world are inundating Mr Payne with samples hoping for a favourable review.

The central feature of the site is a "biscuit of the week" review.

"I've started getting biscuits from all over the world, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland, from people who want my opinion," said Mr Payne.

It's a very British thing and if it's something the site can help to preserve, then I'll be happy

Stuart Payne

Web takes the biscuit

"I get them from UK manufacturers as well. I probably get a packet a week from somewhere.

"It is nice that people take the time to send them."

"Everything I write is done in an affectionate way. I'm an enthusiast not an expert.

"But I don't think there are many critics around devoted to biscuits at this level.

"I've always loved biscuits. I grew up in the sort of house where we always had a couple of packets of biscuits.

"It's a very British thing and if it's something the site can help to preserve, then I'll be happy."

His answer to the dunking dilemma is "don't".

"I used to when I was a student but now, in polite company, I wouldn't dunk."