Tony celebrates best burger

Proving that the pub is the true home of tne burger, licensee Tony Robson-Burrell from The Wheatsheaf at Oaksey, Wiltshire, has won the catering category of the prestigious England's Best Beefburger Challenge for the second year running.

Tony's 100% Rump Steak Beefburger, already one of the best sellers on the pub's menu, impressed judges in the nationwide competition organised by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).

The shortlisted burgers were assessed over two days by the judges at Leatherhead Food International.

The burger, which Tony describes as a "simple burger made well", impressed the judges with its appearance, taste and texture. Tony said: "We haven't changed the recipe at all in the two and a half years since it has been on the menu. It won the catering category last year, so we decided to see if we could retain our crown and I'm delighted that we did.

"The meat comes from a local farm and is of fantastic quality. It's very lean - we use no fat - and make sure it is handled and prepared with the utmost care. This results in a great tasting burger which our customers have always enjoyed.."

Second place in the catering category was awarded to the Fence Gate Inn, Lancashire for its Prime Bowland Steak Burger while third place went to the Five Bells Inn, Clyst Hydon in Devon, for the Five Tower Burger.

Mike Whittemore, retail project manager for EBLEX, said: "We were extremely impressed with the exceptional quality of burgers submitted into the competition this year. All of the shortlisted entrants had obviously worked hard to produce burgers that were succulent, tender and tasty."