Pies and sausages top of the menu at annual county contest

Butchers from across Hampshire gathered in Winchester to compete in the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition last Wednesday.

The annual contest was organised by not-for-profit local food group Hampshire Fare to celebrate the county’s talented butchers.

The competition attracted 201 entries from 38 butchers, across 13 categories.

The entries were carefully examined and assessed by a panel of professional judges who followed strict national guidelines, examining external and internal appearance, texture, structure, colour, smell and taste.

Frankie Hale, from Grover Butchers in Bishop’s Waltham, won Young Sausage Maker of the Year.

The 21-year-old said: ‘I’m really happy to have won today. I entered two years ago and didn’t win, but I listened to the judges’ feedback and that’s helped me win.

‘Having the award up in the shop is a great talking point with customers. I love my job, from talking to customers to skilfully breaking down a carcass into cuts.’

The Speciality Cold Eating Pie category went to My Mum and Dad’s Kitchen in Southsea for its gluten-free egg, bacon and chorizo pie.

The title of Supreme Champion 2017 went to LJ Smith Butchers in Eastleigh.

Pip Smith, from the butchers, said: ‘I am amazed by our win! Achieving this title reinforces our customers’ belief in what we do.’

The event was supported by: AHDB, Lucas Ingredients, Dalziel, Mozzo Coffee, Pmdc Design, Eric Robinson Solicitors, Holiday Inn Winchester, Board ‘n’ Bread, Southampton Trophies, Jon Barrett- Danes Ceramics, Danebury Vineyard, Cold Pressed Oil, Thorpe Confectionery, Test Valley Gin, New Forest Water and Upham Ales.

People are now being invited to vote for their favourite butcher in Hampshire Fare’s People’s Choice award.

Closing date is March 12. Go to hampshirefare.co.uk for more details.