The chef patron of an award-winning gastropub is hoping to bring the title of the nation's best sausage roll back to Norfolk.

Ben Handley, who has run The Duck Inn in Stanhoe with his wife Sarah since 2013, is taking part in the Great Sausage Roll Off 2023 at The Red Lion in Barnes, London. 

The competition takes place on Wednesday, February 8 and past years have seen panels made up of Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef winners and restaurant owners.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Handley at the Great Sausage Roll Off in London in 2020. Ben Handley at the Great Sausage Roll Off in London in 2020. (Image: AWPR/The Duck Inn)

It is the first time the event has taken place since 2020 and it raises money for charity Hospitality Action with 20 competitors. 

He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Norfolk chef Charlie Hodson, who won the competition in 2017.

Mr Handley said: "My recipe is still a working progress and I am developing the sausage meat, but I want to blend it with black pudding from the local Fruit Pig Company.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Handley is taking part in The Great Sausage Roll Off 2023. Ben Handley is taking part in The Great Sausage Roll Off 2023. (Image: AWPR/The Duck Inn)

"I'm looking to do a homemade parmesan, mustard and thyme puff pastry.

"Charlie sent a lovely message and will be there rooting for me." 

The Duck Inn also features in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2023 list and will find out its ranking on January 23.