Move aside Academy Awards, because Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, hosted the British Pie Awards 2023 last Friday (10th March) – which we would argue was more culturally significant.
Of course, we have a lot to shout about in the North when it comes to pies – we really do shout about it – and now many Manchester and Greater Manchester pie makers have been celebrated with awards to prove it.
The British Pie Awards is open to all producers of pies sold commercially in the UK, as long as the pies entered are available to buy during the year of judging – 9th March 2022 – 10th March 2023. This includes pie makers, butchers, bakers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, sports clubs and those who exhibit at shows and markets.
The pies are also under strict regulations as to what actually makes a pie: “a filling wholly encased in pastry and baked“. Entries that are lattice topped, fruit topped, potato topped, samosas or any fried products are disqualified, and a single hole in the lid of the pie must be no more than 25mm diameter (for steam exit or jellying etc).
Bolton’s H.M.Pasties went home with two gold awards in the Pub Pies category for their Joseph Holts Classic Lancashire, Cheddar and Mozzarella, Onion and Potato Pie and Steak & Ale Pie, and Ate Days A Week, representing Stockport, scooped up silver for their Lamb Pie of the Tiger and several others.
Representing the pie capital Wigan, regional favourite Baldy’s swept up, with a gold award for their Michelle’s Chicken Carbonara Pie, as well as bronze for their innovative, hyper-local Uncle Joe’s Mint Ball Lamb Pie – truly doing it for Wigan.
Other notable award winners from our region include The Crown Hawk Green for their Steak, Mushroom and Smoked Cheese Pie, Cake Loves Cake for their classic Meat and Potato Pie, and Cheshire Pie Company‘s special Christmas Pie.
Of course, we’re so proud of all the Greater Manchester winners, and hope to be able to try as many as possible in the lead up to next year’s awards – purely for research purposes.
You can find all the details of winners and runners-up on the British Pie Awards website.