A CONTEST to find the best sausage in Hampshire and Isle of Wight was held in Basingstoke this week.

A panel of expert judges from across the UK gathered at Basingstoke College of Technology this week (February 9) for The Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition 2022, organised by county food group Hampshire Fare.

Check out our gallery above to view the different moments from the competition day.

The contest attracted 243 entries from butchers and pie-makers from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Pro Cook and Patisserie students at Restaurant at BCoT worked hard preparing entries under the guidance of chef lecturer Justin Mundy.

He said: “Hosting the competition is a privilege for the Hospitality and Catering Department at Basingstoke College of Technology. It allows our students to see some amazing produce from across Hampshire and gives them ideas and inspiration for their own work.”

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “With new categories, a new venue and some new judges, it was a full-on day at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), but everyone, students, staff, judges, and the Hampshire Fare team, worked incredibly hard. I would like to thank everyone involved. I think it has shown yet again that The Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition is a truly successful event to be involved with. We even had a shout out from Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 on our way home.

“We are delighted by the number of entries we have received to this year’s Competition. They included entries from past Champions as well as businesses who haven’t entered before, and the first ever entries from the Isle of Wight. This year’s Competition is all about new, new, new! It’s all been very exciting and positive.

“The new categories introduced this year, including Scotch Egg, Sausage Roll, and Alternative Sausage, were very popular. We have also seen our more traditional categories, including Speciality Pork Sausage and Hot Eating Speciality Pie, receive an impressive number of entries. In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen so many amazing pies in one place! They were top quality, golden crusted and looking absolutely delicious.”

The judges were also equally impressed.

Judge Graham Palfrey said: “The products I’ve been judging have all been very good. I judge competitions across the country, and this is the one I always look forward to judging. It’s the best quality-wise. Maybe it is because it is all locally produced.”

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