The British Pie Awards

The British Pie Awards running since 2009 are the Oscars of the Pie World! They are an annual celebration of the craft and skill of the British Piemaker. Hosted in early March by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, they are held in the ancient and beautiful church of St Mary’s in the town also known as, the Rural Capital of Food. Producers from all over the country send their delicious pies in for judging of these coveted awards.

Who Can Enter?

The British Pie Awards are open to all pie producers in the United Kingdom who sell pies commercially. The pies can be sweet, savoury or hot or cold. The opportunity is open to all including pie makers, butchers, bakers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, sports clubs or those who exhibit at shows and markets.

When is a Pie not an Award’s Pie?

To qualify for judging in the British Pie Awards, every pie must have ‘a filling wholly encased in pastry and baked’. Lattice topped pies, fruit topped, potato topped, samosas or any fried products are not suitable for entry.

How does the Judging Work?

Understandably, there are very stringent rules when it comes to pie judging. The pies must arrive by 3 pm the day before judging, intact, cooked and cold at less than 8°C. The hot to eat pies are heated up for judging and there are weight restrictions in the different classes.

There are over one hundred and twenty judges on the panel this year representing a wide variety of different professions. To ensure anonymity during judging, none of the pies display a garnish, decoration or defining features thus avoiding any link to a producer.

The judges are looking for the Champion in each class and make awards to three runners up; namely Gold, Silver and Bronze. There are twenty three classes in all and the Champions of each class compete for the ultimate crown of Supreme Champion.

Brockleby’s is a past four times Champion and also holds awards for our Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, Wild Beaver, Wild Deer, Moo and Blue, Moroccan Lamb not forgetting the Penguin Pie!

This year we have expanded our gluten free range of pies to include a gluten free pork pie and a gluten free Shepherd’s Delight! The Brockleby’s entries in the British Pie Awards this year will be in various classes including the ‘Free From’ class .

Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

Photo credit: British Pie Awards