The Great Sausage Roll Off is back

The Red Lion in Barnes has announced that the Great Sausage Roll Off competition will return on 8 February 2023.

Organised by the London pub's managers, Angus McKean and Claire Morgan, the contest challenges chefs to create the best sausage roll in the land.

Previous years’ judging panels have included Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef winners and food critics.

This year, the Great Sausage Roll Off is hunting for new competitors from all walks of catering – pub chefs, hotel chefs, development chefs, food writers, chefs from restaurants, cafes, food trucks, contract caterers and beyond.

The competition will see entrants heading to the Red Lion on the night to cook up their sausage rolls and present them to the panel of judges and the general public, who will be crammed into the Fuller’s pub.

Everyone will have the opportunity to sample the savoury snacks alongside the judges while raising funds for industry charity Hospitality Action.

Angus McKean, general manager of the Red Lion, said: “Claire and I are really excited to bring Roll Off back. After nearly three years of no sausage rolling due to the pandemic, we’re ready to bring the competition back with a bang(er) and we can’t wait to see some new creations, innovations, and clever twists on the famous classic.

“We started Roll Off as a bit of fun back in 2013 and it was an instant success – capturing people’s imagination and giving a night of serious, tongue-in-cheek fun for some very talented cooks and our lovely customers. It has since snowballed into a special spectacle and a night for industry folk to come and let their hair down in a kind of X-Factor meets MasterChef way.

"The Great Sausage Roll Off has also developed into a fledging charity fundraiser and a magnet for all foodies to come and rub shoulders with some of hospitality's shining stars and glitterati. Never underestimate who you may bump into at Roll Off.

“We have also had some valuable support and formed some very special friends as a result of our brainchild – with some special mentions to Rational UK, IO Shen Knives, Netherton Foundry and Asahi UK. Without their help, the Roll Off would not be possible.

“So have a think about your ideal sausage roll, create the recipe, and enter the Great Sausage Roll Off 2023 today – it may be the next thing your career needs, and you might even get on the telly.”

Download the entry for here and visit The Red Lion Barnes' website for more details