Michelin-starred chef joins Best British Roast Dinner judging panel
The competition, which is part of British Roast Dinner Week, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions, sees regional winners for south England, north England, Midlands, Wales and Scotland battling it out for the title of champion.
Sargeant joins an expert judging panel, including food critic Charles Campion, which has the job of deciding which pub will take the title.
Nation's favourite
The Michelin-starred chef said: “A good roast dinner is one of the nation’s favourite meals, so I’m hoping to see some really impressive entries – maybe some seasonal side dishes or a bit of theatre in the way it is served.
“There are lots of ways to make your roast stand out. I’m really looking forward to seeing what pubs have got in store for us.”
In 2016, the judges focused on the sourcing of ingredients, the quality of the cooking and service and the positivity of customer feedback.
Last year’s Best British Roast Dinner winner, Nick Otley, owner of the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd, south Wales, said: “We’ve always been busy, but after winning the competition, we have been taken bookings for Sunday service weeks in advance.”
Winning prizes
Finalists from last year, showcased the epitome of the very best in pub roast dinners. They were:
The Granville, Canterbury, south of England
The Narrow Boat at Weedon, Northamptonshire, Midlands
The Blue Pig, Manchester, north of England
Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd, Wales
Kyloe Restaurant, Edinburgh, Scotland
The winner of this year’s competition will take home £10,000 worth of PR and each regional champion will receive a runners-up prize of £2,500 of PR to help put their pub on the map.
The deadline to enter is fast approaching (1 October) but there is still time for pubs to explain what makes their roast dinner great at www.britishroastdinnerweek.co.uk, which also has full entry details and terms and conditions.
