About the Spiced Lentil Sausage Roll
Today is National Sausage Roll Day but you knew that already. This morning, after setting off early and driving down from Derbyshire, I found myself walking along the backstreets of Hove, pushing the pram and looking for baked goods I’d yet to try. The Real Patisserie on Western Road is a favourite haunt of mine but by the time I arrived, the weekend crowds had cleared the place of pork-based treats. Not wanting to leave the occasion uncelebrated, I opted for the last Vegan Spiced Lentil Sausage Roll, thinking it was about time that I broadened my pastry horizons and gave the plant-based variety a try.
Address
1. Appearance
Did the sausage roll look appetising? Was it lovingly displayed in the shop window?
The solitary sausage roll was displayed on a wooden board inside the counter case. As with all the baked goods, prices were clearly visible and I appreciated that. Nobody likes a nasty surprise at the till.
7/10
2. Price
How much did you pay for it? Was it good value for money?
£3 felt a bit steep considering there was no meat involved but it was clearly made with care and looked well-proportioned.
6/10
3. Packaging
Was it carefully wrapped? Did it arrive home intact?
The sausage roll was nicely packaged in a cardboard box. A bag was offered too but it was only a short walk home. No napkins were offered and no sauce was available.
7/10
4. Weight
Did it have a satisfying weight? Was it reassuringly dense?
The roll had a nice weight to it and was more squat than long. The walk up the hill towards home had me smiling in anticipation.
7/10
5. Warmth
Was it warm and ready to eat or cold on arrival?
I was offered the sausage roll heated and I went for it. By the time I got home, the sausage roll had cooled to the perfect temperature.
8/10
6. Pastry
Was it buttery and flaky? Did it hold together?
The pastry was surprisingly good. There were layers to it and the poppy seeds on top added real crunch and an interesting flavour. I didn’t get that buttery, greasy feel from the pastry though and it wasn’t overly flaky.
6/10
7. Quality of meat or filling
Was the filling substantial or did you mainly chew air?
The lentils were unevenly cooked. Some filling that had spilled out at either end and that was the tastiest part because the lentils had crisped in the oven. In the middle of the roll, the filling was a bit stodgy.
5/10
8. Flavour
Was the sausage roll delicious and well-seasoned?
The flavour was wonderful, I could taste Harissa and Cumin in the lentil mix and the poppy seeds really added something.
8/10
9. Satisfaction
Were you left satisfied or wanting more?
I was left surprisingly satisfied but would still have preferred a meaty sausage roll. £3 is a little expensive for a lentil based snack.
6/10
10. Bonus Points
Did anything warrant bonus points? Eg. a little pot of mustard or friendly service from the staff?
Bonus points for the excellent bread and tasty cakes the Real Patisserie sell. I didn’t have one today but the lemon meringue tart is especially good.
4/10
sAUSAGE ROLL RATING
64/100
Sausage roll leaderboard
Where did the Vegan Spiced Lentil Sausage Roll from the Real Patisserie rank on the pastry leaderboard?