Lancs holiday park bids for peace in black pudding wars
A North Lancs caravan park is to stage a black pudding “beauty contest” in a bid to avoid upsetting customers who can’t agree on the authentic recipe.
Moss Wood Caravan Park near Lancaster says it has so far avoided stocking black puds in its new park shop because of conflicting views among holiday guests.
The shop is the centrepiece of a new building development which opened in March on the park, and which features Lancashire food and drink specialities.
But whilst suppliers of genuine Eccles cakes, ginger parkin, Lancashire cheese and local beers have proved uncontroversial, the county’s most famous food is stirring deep feelings.
According to park director Henry Wild, customers have pointed to a number of different producers as the sole source for black puddings made the traditional way.
Now, said Henry, the park has decided to settle the dark dilemma democratically by holding a black pudding pageant in which guests can vote on their favourite.
The pud getting the largest number of thumbs-up, based on both its appearance and taste, will be crowned as the shop’s officially adopted brand.
Henry hopes the result will put an end to the good-natured disagreement among some guests before a black pudding war breaks out across a park best known for its peace and tranquillity.
Based deep in the countryside near the historic village of Cockerham, Moss Wood has been praised by botanist David Bellamy for its raft of wildlife-friendly initiatives.
It provides pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes, and luxury holiday homes to buy – and many of its guests live within Lancashire.
“With many parts of the county having their own black pudding makers using slightly different recipes, it’s not surprising that this issue has ignited strong feelings,” said Henry.
“It also comes at a time when black puddings have recently stepped into the national limelight by being labelled a “superfood” which is low in fat, meat-free, and high in iron and calcium.
“We have realised that this is not a matter on which we are able to pass final judgement, so we have decided to hold blind tastings in order to establish the best-liked brand.
“I hope this will finally put an end to the inflamed passions around this subject, and that future breakfasts on the park will be enjoyed in an atmosphere of peace and harmony,” added Henry.
Moss Wood was established 40 years ago by Blackpool-born Syd Wild, and is now run jointly by him and his son Henry – both of whom have disbarred themselves from the judging process.
More information about the park is available at www.mosswood.co.uk
