Great Sausage Roll Off competition to return in 2021

The Great Sausage Roll Off competition is to return in 2021 to raise money for industry charity Hospitality Action.

Since 2013 the annual contest has been run by licensees Claire Morgan and Angus McKean at Fuller’s pub the Red Lion in Barnes. It sees chefs from across the country compete to create the ultimate sausage roll.

Though Covid restrictions put the competitions’ future in doubt, the team has announced it will be going ahead next year. McKean told The Caterer there was no set date for the contest, but he is hoping it can run in early March, depending on local tier restrictions.

The plan is for around 20 chef competitors to spread out both inside and outdoors in a marquee to allow for social distancing, and it will once again be hosted by beer and food writer Melissa Cole.

McKean said he had considered cancelling the event completely for 2021 but now felt it would provide a positive boost for the industry.

“I didn’t want to put pressure on people as hospitality and chefs have been up against it this year, but now there are signs of a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The 2020 event was won by Alan Chilton of the Bower Inn in Somerset (pictured) and raised £3,500 for Hospitality Action. Judges included chefs Russell Bateman, Paul Foster, Paul Cunningham and Heart FM DJ Lucy Horobin.

Long-time supporters of the event include Rational UK, I.O Shen Knives and Netherton Foundry.