The 'Granddad's Recipe, Pork and Sage Sausage' from J C Rook & Sons was judged the best out of 15 top sausages at the grand final of the BPEX Foodservice Pork Sausage of the Year competition 2011, held at Butchers Hall, London.
The 15 finalists first, second and third place in the competition's five categories were whittled down by expert industry judges last month from more than 280 sausage entries. The final 15 sausages were cooked, taste-tested and scored by over 30 guest judges. The results were incredibly close, but the Pork & Sage sausage, which was originally developed by Andrew Rook's grandfather, was the stand-out winner with the highest combined score.
As well as taking the Champion title, J C Rook & Sons was awarded first place in the 'Legendary British Banger' category, while its 'Cumberland Pork Sausage' was third place in the Best Pub Pork Sausage Category.
John Pettit & Sons butchers won the Food Manufacture-supported category 'Best Innovative Pork Sausage', with its 'Catalan Wheel Sausage', which was developed for Spanish restaurant chain La Tasca. The sausage will appear on Christmas menus, served as 'pigs in blankets' and as part of their tapas.
BPEX foodservice trade manager Tony Goodger said: "With British Sausage Week coming up on us (October 31 to November 6) there is no better time to show off the amazing range of quality-assured pork sausages that are available in pubs, restaurants, schools and other food outlets."