A PAIR of Alresford butchers showed that they had the best bangers and were in the upper crust in the return of an annual competition.

CE Evans and Son Butchers and Sole Butchers walked away with prizes from the the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition 2020.

The businesses took home the titles of Hot Pies Champion for its lamb, mint and rosemary pie and Speciality Pork Sausage Champion, respectively.

But there was even more joy for Sole Butchers as it was singled-out by the judges as the very best entry across the whole competition to win the Supreme Champion 2020.

The award, presented by Mike Wright, chairman of Hampshire Fare, and commercial manager Tracy Nash, was for its pork, watercress and ale sausage which was considered by the judges to be a “superb sausage – just excellent!”

Mark Sole of Sole Butchers commented on their success: “I’m very pleased to win it. It’s taken me a long time. I’ve been trying to win Supreme Champion for the last 15 years!

“As a butcher, I specialise in sausages and the winning sausage uses all local ingredients including ale from Itchen Valley Brewery and local watercress. This year I entered 10 sausages and was awarded 10 Golds! I’m very pleased.”

Local butchers and producers gathered at the Holiday Inn, Winchester, on March 5, for the much-anticipated results of the contest organised by Hampshire Fare.

The awards evening is a major event on the county’s food and drink calendar and was full to capacity. This year’s competition had also attracted an impressive 254 entries – a 25 per cent increase on last year.

All entries were prepared under strict controlled conditions and judged by a panel of experts drawn from across the UK. Judging took place in February at Eastleigh College with the assistance of staff and students from the college’s hospitality and catering department.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, commented: “This competition is key in highlighting the talent and dedication of the hardworking butchers and producers in Hampshire.

“It is an opportunity for us to put local butchers centre stage and appreciate their skill and knowledge. I urge everyone to make it their mission to visit at least one of these award-winning butchers and try some of these excellent products.”