Easy as … Pie! To commemorate this pie-oneering food, a week-long celebration called British Pie Week starts on the first Monday in March 2024, culminating in the prestigious Awards ceremony on Wednesday, the 6th. Held in the aptly named “Cathedral of Pies,” St Mary’s Church in Melton Mowbray, the UK’s pie capital, nearly 1,000 entries will compete for the coveted title of “Supreme Champion.

We love Pie!

Brits aren’t just baking champions; they’re also pie-loving champions! We gobble up a cool £1 billion worth of shop-bought pies every year, and that’s not even counting the countless culinary masterpieces whipped up in home kitchens across the nation.

Very brief history

This passion for these is rooted in history. Their journey stretches back millennia, all the way to ancient Egypt where flatbreads served as the first “crusts” for savoury fillings. Fast forward to 12th century Britain, and pies became a cornerstone of life – a delicious and practical way to store and transport food. Even literary giants like Chaucer couldn’t resist their charm, with the poet himself penning a recipe for an apple pie in 1381!

Beyond the Beef

Gone are the days when pies were solely dominated by meat fillings. Today, the world of pies has exploded in flavour and diversity, catering to every taste bud imaginable! Vegetarian and vegan options are taking centre stage, offering delectable fillings like creamy mushroom and leek, or the zest of spicy lentil and sweet potato. But, don’t forget the classics and the innovative! From the timeless elegance of apple crumble to the decadent decadence of chocolate orange cream, there’s a sweet treat to suit everyone. The journey doesn’t stop at the filling! We’ve also expanded our repertoire of crusts, offering a variety of textures and flavours: buttery shortcrust, flaky puff and rough puff, light and crispy filo, the unique hot water crust, and the rich suet crust.

Want to learn more?

Head over to www.britishpieawards.co.uk to discover pie-tastic events happening near you!