New Forest butchers and farm shops win host of awards in Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition 2022

NEW Forest producers came out on top at the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition 2022.

Run by Hampshire Fare, the awards saw many farm shops, butchers and businesses receive recognition for their great tasting range of goods.

Ryan Cutler from Danestream Farm Shop in New Milton was crowned Young Sausage Maker Champion, Fordingbridge Farm Shop was named Steak Pie Champion, and Crow Farm Shop in Ringwood took the title for its traditional pork pie.

Dozens of gold awards were taken home by Forest businesses, including Butchers on the Green in Milford for its curry and mango chutney sausage, Sway Butchers for its pannage pork sausage, Catch in Calshot for its New Forest venison Scotch egg, Hockey’s Farm Shop in Fordingbridge for its sausage roll, and J. May and Son Ltd in Fordingbridge for its chicken and ham pie.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton by BBC Radio Solent presenter Louisa Hannan.

Despite the event not being held last year, entries to the contest were at a record high – altogether judges received nearly 250 nominations.

Tina Sidaway, of Fordingbridge Farm Shop, said the shop was relatively new and this was the first competition it had entered.

“I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since it was announced,” she said. “I’m actually in shock about our win!

“Everyone tells us how good our pies are, but you don’t really believe it. I’ve got a very good team and I couldn’t have done it without them – this will give us all a bit of a boost.”

Tazmin Toms (22), manager of Sway Butchers, who achieved the top gold award for all of her six homemade sausage and pie entries, was praised by the shop’s owner David West.

“This was a fantastic achievement for someone so young in a profession traditionally dominated by men,” he said.

“Tazmin used Sway Butcher’s closely guarded family recipes dating back six generations to create her award-winning sausages.”

Tazmin started out in the industry as an apprentice nearly seven years ago after leaving Priestlands School. She gained her butchery qualification from Sparsholt College after studying for two years, and subsequently completed a business management course at Brockenhurst College.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, said the competition was “nationally respected” and the standard of entrants had been very high.

“There was high praise for all our entrants from our expert judges,” she said. “This and our wonderful sponsors, who are so enthusiastic about supporting this competition, shows what a highly regarded competition this is! I would like to thank them all.

“And we have been told by our local butchers and pie-makers that they value this competition because it provides a brilliant means of showcasing the quality produce available at local butchers, delis, farm shops and village stores across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, encouraging people to shop local.”

Guests enjoyed a sausage supper, while New Forest Spring Water and Danebury Vineyards in Stockbridge kept entrants refreshed on the evening.

Established in 1991, Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit community interest company which works with nearly 400 members within the food and drink industry, including hotels, cafes, caterers, pubs, restaurants and retailers.

They all share a commitment to sourcing local, supporting their communities and contributing to a sustainable future for the county’s food and farming industries.

For more information or to see the full list of winners, go to www.hampshirefare.co.uk/news-events/news/here-come-the-champions