New Forest chef just fails to crack national Scotch egg challenge

A NEW FOREST pub narrowly failed to crack a national competition in London to find the best Scotch egg.

Monty’s Inn at Beaulieu was pipped to the post to take second prize in the annual Young's Scotch Egg Challenge in which the creation of local head chef Robbie Mclean was scrutinised by national newspaper food critics.

The tasty result was applauded by James Hiley-Jones, managing director of Greenclose Hotels which runs the Montagu Arms where Monty’s Inn is located, as well as Careys Manor in Brockenhurst.

He said: “We are delighted that Robbie’s signature Scotch egg has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

“Robbie is an outstanding head chef and we are grateful that we’re able to work with some of the best suppliers from the New Forest and beyond, as well as harvesting fresh, seasonal ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden.”

Components of the Scotch egg included pork sourced from Pondhead Farm in Lyndhurst, and an egg from the brood of hens that live in the kitchen garden at Beaulieu.

It was coated with pork scratchings and served alongside a spiced apple sauce and dressed rocket.

The competition was held at the Canonbury Tavern in Islington with judges including TV's Simon Rimmer, Sunday Times food editor Lisa Markwell, Restaurant Magazine editor Stefan Chomka, and beer expert and author Melissa Cole.

Bob Granleese, food editor of The Guardian, was adjudicator, while the event was compered by the creative director of the World Restaurant Awards, Joe Warwick.

The Monty’s Inn Scotch egg is available on the lunch and diner menu of the pub, which is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

To find out more go to www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk.