The temptation of award winning sausages* and the need to celebrate my husband's birthday made the Fence Gate Inn, near Burnley, our destination on Friday evening. Only the week before I had sent the winners of a 'Lancashire gourmet short break' to the Fence Gate Inn for lunch (which they had thoroughly enjoyed) and thought it was high time I sampled Kevin Berkin's award winning food for myself.
The Inn was heaving when we arrived - clearly a popular place for both drinkers and gourmands - but we were directed into the smart 'Topiary Brasserie'. After a starters of scallops for me and crab cakes for him , we both ordered from KB's famous sausage factory. I opted for the 'Smokey taste of Lancashire' (Organic pork and smoked Mrs Kirkham's cheese) whilst my husband had the 'Tomato and chilli combo' sausage (stuffed with organic pork, locally reared beef, sundried tomato and fresh chilli). As is usual in these situations I had serious 'sausage envy' and although my own choice was very tasty I did prefer the stronger taste of the tomato and chilli combination. We didn't get as far as pudding but I will definitely be making a return visit to try KB's homemade black pudding.
*Kevin picked up two awards at the 2007 Northwest Fine Food awards - WINNER OF BEST SAUSAGE WITH NATURAL ADDITIVES AND BEST CUMBERLAND SAUSAGE NW FINE FOOD AWARDS 2007.
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