Calls for pubs to enter Great Roast competition
Knorr Professional, which has launched the free-to-enter competition, is looking to find the country’s best meat and vegetarian, or vegan, roast dinner.
A team of judges will shortlist entries consider for one or both categories in October before independent mystery diners conduct visits to judge each shortlisted entry.
Winners will be revealed in November where the ‘Best Meat Roast 2021’ and ‘Best Vegetarian or Vegan Roast 2021’ will be crowned.
Entries for this year’s competition are now open and close on Thursday 30 September. All businesses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible and entries can be submitted here.
Iconic dish
Knorr Professional at Unilever Food Solutions senior marketing manager Kate Drew said: “A traditional roast dinner is one of the iconic dishes of our nation. Now in its 10th year, we are delighted to be launching the Knorr Professional Great Roast competition 2021 – searching for the very best dishes from across the country and recognising the chefs who have created them.
“As the ongoing focus on sustainable living sees an ever-increasing number of consumers enjoy a plant-based diet, whether as part of a flexitarian or vegetarian/vegan diet, we also want to recognise those businesses meeting these demands.
“That is why we are delighted to have two hotly contested categories in this year’s competition, one for meat dishes and the other for vegetarian or vegan dishes. So, if you think you serve the nation’s greatest roast dinner, why not enter today and have a chance to take the prestigious title of the Great British Roast 2021.”
Former winners of the competition include owner of the Cleveland Arms in Brighton, East Sussex Sarah Davies.
She said: “We are extremely proud of the Cleveland Arms Sunday roast, created using the finest locally sourced, organic meat and delicious, seasonal vegetables. When we entered the Knorr Professional Great Roast Competition back in 2019 we never expected to win.
“It has been a fantastic accolade for our business and a big pat on the back for our dedicated team. In addition to the great prize package for winning, the PR that we have received, both locally and nationally has been invaluable, especially for an independent pub like ours.”
Immensely proud
The Clean Bean in Seaham, County Durham was also a previous winner and owners Paul and Linda Barron outlined the secrets to their success.
They said: “The ethos behind Clean Bean was to create a completely unique dining establishment, where the menu takes inspiration from our travels around the world.
“Serving delicious food, we champion clean, healthy, nutritious, fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
“Our menu is entirely gluten-free and many of our dishes are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Winning the Vegetarian or Vegan category of the Knorr Professional Great Roast Competition in 2019 is something that we are immensely proud of.
“It’s helped us to put Clean Bean on the gastronomic map and showcased the quality of our vegetarian roast dinner – a dish that is now regularly ordered by vegetarians and flexitarians alike.”
