The Pies Have It!

Let’s hear it for the humble pie, one of the iconic dishes of British cuisine and arguably one of Britain’s most important contributions to international cuisine. Savoury or sweet, hot or cold, the British love a pie and eat millions of them every year.

The British Pie Awards, now in their 16th year, are a celebration of British pies in all their varieites and attract pie producers large and small from across the country.  This year almost 900 pies were entered into 24 classes and a team of 140 judges was required for the monumental task of deciding the winners, as competition was fierce.

However, It is good news for a trio of Hampshire Fare members, MaDK Pies, Mud Foods and Danestream Farm Shop, who have all been successful in this year’s Awards.

Mud Foods are celebrating being named Reserve Winner (aka second place or runner up to Class Champion) in two categories with their flagship Steak and Ale Pie and their brand new just launched Black Forest Gateau Pie

Christian Barrington, Founder and Chief Pie Maker, who recently found fame winning Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’, with his Chip Shop Chicken Curry Pie, said: ”I'm delighted and very proud! Huge thanks to my incredible Mud team, whose unwavering dedication and tireless efforts consistently keep our standards at the highest level. Thus ensuring top-notch quality pies which spread happiness to our amazing, supportive customers."

Mud Foods also received Gold for The Original Chip Shop Chicken Curry Pie along with six Silver awards, which included their new luxury Steak and Tunworth Cheese Pie, a collaboration with the Hampshire Cheese Company, and five Bronze awards – a very impressive haul.

Portsmouth-based family business MaDK Pies were named Reserve Winner for their Chip Shop Chicken Curry Pie Too Good To Be Gluten Free in the Free From Pie Category.

Jane Endean spoke for the family: “We are obviously delighted to have received this award especially as there were nearly 900 entries, yet in the face of such competition, we’ve been rated among the best! We have been baking this pie for a couple of years and it has proved to be really popular with our customers.

"We are also delighted to have regularly won awards in the British Pie Awards, including winner of the Sports Pie Category last year with our Chicken & Mushroom Pie, and winning the Dessert Pie Category and the Free From Pie Category in 2021.”

Danestream Farm Shop, based in New Milton, New Forest, were awarded Silver for their Chicken, Dry Cured Home Smoked Bacon and Leek Pie, and Bronze for their Turkey, Bacon and Leek Pie with Sage Pastry.

Well done all and happy eating.

Christian Barrington, Chief Pie Maker, Mud Foods