Britain’s best banger: Norfolk butchers wins national sausage prize

Bowers Butchers has been serving locals for three generations after George Bowers opened its doors in 1932.

Now run by grandson James Middleton, the butchers has scooped the title of Britain’s best Lincolnshire sausage – a prize 92 years in the making.

The Lynn Road shop uses as many local ingredients as possible, including free-range Norfolk pork, but Mr Middleton admits the secret to a good Lincolnshire sausage is the right amount of sage.

James Middleton at the Butchers Hall in London (Image: Bowers Butchers)

“We still make the sausages in a very traditional manner, even using the same hand-cranked machine my Grandad used to use,” he said.

“It’s nice to see it stood the test of time, as he was the one who put a focus on the sausages making it into more of a craft.

“Since he perfected the sausages the recipe has barely changed, only reducing the salt slightly for a more modern taste.”

The shop offers more than 20 different styles of sausages at a time including seasonal specials such as its autumnal spiced pumpkin – but its Norfolk and Lincolnshire staples are always available year-round.

READ MORE: Norfolk Broads farm shop named in UK’s top spots for foodies

The award comes as part of UK Sausage Week where sausages from butchers, supermarkets and producers can be submitted to be blind judged.

A panel of experts then rank the meat on its appearance, smell and most importantly taste before an awards ceremony at the Butchers Hall in London.

“We all went down to London on Monday really hoping we’d won something,” Mr Middleton added. 

“When we are announced I felt brilliant knowing that we’re doing it right and keeping on tradition and doing Grandad proud.”