A POPULAR Evesham family business proved to be a cut above the rest after scooping two honours at the British Pie Awards.
The Outdoor Pig Company claimed a place among the nation’s best pie makers with two Class Champion awards and runner up in two additional classes at the awards held in Melton Mowbray.
The company won the top Class Champion awards for its Family Pork Pie and its Chicken and Mushroom Pie and came second in class for its Beef, Venison and Red Wine Pie.
Competition was tough at the annual event hosted by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association (MMPPA).
The judging panel, led by chairman Ian Nelson of Hovis Ltd, included national food writers Charles Campion, Xanthe Clay and
Felicity Cloake and TV chefs Andy Bates and Rachel Green.
Together, the judges taste-tested pies entered in 19 different classes with appearance and texture and flavour for both pastry and filling among the criteria.
Sadie and Rob Downey from the Outdoor Pig Company said: “We are proud of our pies and to gain two Class Champion awards at the British Pie Awards by industry experts above our fellow pie makers is a real achievement.
“It has been great to be part of this celebration of British food and we look forward to introducing our award-winning pies to even more people.” she added.
MMPPA chairman Matthew O’Callaghan said: “Congratulations go to all our winners, whose achievement this year is remarkable.
“Our aim is to recognise the hard work, skill and passion of the nation’s pie makers and the judging panel and organisers were all bowled over by the standard of entries.
“Thanks must go to all who entered this year’s awards – together we have shown there is nothing humble about the British pie!”
