London pub chef wins Great Sausage Roll Off 2016

Phil Harrison, who cooks at the Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith, was named champion by the judges for his pheasant and black pudding sausage roll with turnip dip at the contest, which took place at Fuller's site the Red Lion, Barnes, west London, on Wednesday 27 January.

Harrison said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Great Sausage Roll Off. I was up against some tough competition and it was a privilege to cook alongside the other worthy contestants.

"It is great to see how popular these competitions are becoming and it is fantastic to see such a wide range of creations from the chefs."

Judged​

Entries were judged by food critic Kate Spicer, Big Allotment Challenge ​judge Thane Prince, Masterchef 2015 ​finalist Emma Spitzer and head chef at Bonhams Restaurant, Tom Kemble.

The event was hosted by beer sommelier and food writer Melissa Cole.

Second place went to Ollie Couillaud of the Corner Restaurant & Bar at Selfridge's, west London, for his sausage roll, 'The Lemmy', with sage garlic and onions cooked in Jack Daniel's.

In at third place was Fuller's Chef of the Year Jade Clarke, head chef at the Hind's Head, Aldermaston, Berkshire, with a venison, wild mushroom and pickled blackberry variation.

Success​

Angus McKean, co-manager of the Red Lion, said: "This year has definitely seen the Great Sausage Roll Off reach new heights and its success is a testament to the calibre of chefs we have participating in the competition.

"I am always amazed and inspired by the creations that come from these extremely talented chefs – there was a high level of camaraderie among competitors, most of whom were comparative strangers until the event, which made the evening a truly magical event."

Following the judges' decisions, the sausage rolls were auctioned to the audience in aid of charity Shooting Star Chase, which raised more than £400 for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.