THE NORTH WEST SAUSAGE ROLL POWER RANKINGS

Greggs vs. PoundBakery vs. THE REST

At CRUSTDEPT., we’re about two things: crusts and culture. Around here, sausage rolls matter. Doesn’t matter if you’re in Wigan, Bolton, Manchester or Liverpool — the debate’s always bubbling. Who’s got the best one? Who’s robbing you blind? Who’s holding it down for the proper pie heads?

We’re not talking supermarket multipacks or reheated garage pastry. This is about street-level favourites, local legends, and high street chaos.

We did the laps. We ate the lot. Here's how they stack.

1. BALDY’S – Approx. £5

Wigan’s Heavyweight. No Debate.

Word gets around fast in Wigan, and when it comes to pastry, Baldy’s is the one making noise. The sausage roll here isn’t just stuffed — it’s engineered. Award-winning Cumberland sausage meat, chunky Maris Piper potato, a herby kick, and proper pastry with bite. It’s not cheap. It’s not meant to be.

The Roll:

Weighty. Crispy. Loud. Packed with real flavour and texture that doesn’t blur together. It’s a proper job from end to end.

Best for:

Flexing on your lunch break and actually tasting what you paid for.

Price:

Approx. £5 – based on in-person visits and 2024 menus. Could vary. Still worth it.

Verdict:

Next-level sausage roll. Big flavour. Bigger statement.

2. GREGGS – £1.65

The Blueprint. The Everyday Staple.

Greggs is still holding it down. It’s not posh. It’s not wild. But it hits that middle ground like nobody else. You walk in, walk out, and it’s hot every time.

It’s the first roll most people try — and probably the one they’ve eaten most. Comfortably average in a good way.

The Roll:

Light pastry, soft filling, dependable warmth. It could use more spice, but it’s built for the masses.

Best for:

Autopilot lunch mode. You know the drill.

Price:

£1.65 — confirmed as of mid-2025.

Verdict:

Reliable. Iconic. Always there when you need it.

3. POUNDBAKERY – £1

Full Belly, No Budget Needed.

Poundbakery has one goal: keep you full without rinsing your wallet. The new recipe’s meatier, and the portion’s still big — but don’t go expecting finesse.

This is all about hunger, salt, and speed.

The Roll:

Chunky pastry, slightly greasy base, heavy sausage blend. Not elegant. Very effective.

Best for:

Hangovers. School runs. “I’ve only got coins” type days.

Price:

£1 each (2 for £1.50 sometimes, but confirmed at £1 per roll in 2025).

Verdict:

Rough around the edges. Gets the job done. Loud and proud.

4. GREENHALGH’S – £2.50

Bolton Born. Still Going Strong.

If you grew up with Greenhalgh’s, you get it. It’s the steady, old-school bakery with serious quality. No big hype, just time-tested baking with real flavour.

The Roll:

Better pastry than most. Rich, peppery sausage. Warm and flaky with solid heft.

Best for:

People who say “I just want a good one.”

Price:

£2.50 for the jumbo sausage roll (verified via Greenhalgh’s website).

Verdict:

Proper northern classic. No flash, just flavour.

5. BAYNE’S – £1.10–£1.75

Scottish Stodge with Northern Creep.

It’s sneaking into the North quietly, but Bayne’s knows how to build a roll. If you’ve not tried one yet, it’s basically Greggs' thicker cousin. Sausage has more chew, pastry feels heavier. No complaints here.

The Roll:

Hearty filling, puffier casing. Carries weight without turning soggy.

Best for:

Scots in exile. Or curious northerners.

Price:

£1.10 to £1.75 depending on style/location (verified via Uber Eats listings).

Verdict:

Underrated and growing. Worth a bite if you spot one.

THE FINAL CRUMB:

IN CLOSING:

Everyone’s got their go-to. Some pick price, some chase flavour. Some just want to hold something hot and heavy in one hand while walking to the bus stop.

Whatever your vibe, sausage rolls up here are more than filler. They’re fuel. They’re local. They’re legacy.

CRUSTDEPT. backs them all — as long as the pastry’s flaking and the sausage has kick.

Crust Culture. Hype Yeast.