Who beat all the pies? Morecambe FC
By Matt Wright
“Who ate all the pies?” is a favourite chant at football grounds up and down the country. Now Morecambe FC fans can happily holler, “Who beat all the pies?”
Morecambe FC’s Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie was named finest pie in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, winning the title of Supreme Champion at the British Pie Awards, held in Melton Mowbray on June 8.
Chairman of judges Hugh Weeks with the Champ
Morecambe FC’s pie was considered the best of the 619 entered and won the club £1000. Jokes about Morecambe FC now being able to afford another striker were possibly somewhat uncharitable, while the idea of adding a chicken pie to Eric Morecambe’s statue on the seafront raised a few smiles.
Graham Aimson from Morecambe Football Club said: “I have been a chef for 15 years and I pride myself on my pies, however receiving this recognition by some of the country’s best food experts is an absolute honour. I know these Awards are entered by the best bakers in the country, there was stiff competition so I am very proud of this achievement.”
The Mrs King’s team
Best Melton Mowbray pork pie went to Mrs King’s Pies of Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire.
Strangest entry was probably an eel and chocolate pie that some pioneering/comedic spirit thought could do the business. It didn’t, but was a talking point.
Richard Watkin and food writer Xanthe Clay
The 60 judges on the day included respected food writers Tamasin Day-Lewis, Charles Campion and Xanthe Clay, plus a range of local foodies.
Dominic Heale from East Midlands Today
Congratulations should go to organisers the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, who worked tirelessly yet again to put on another successful event.
Stephen Hallam of Dickinson & Morris
Chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, Matthew O’Callaghan, said: “We are thrilled with the standard of pies. Almost two third of entrants were classed as Small Producers and we are delighted that they, as well as the bigger names in the industry, recognise the value of this event. We hope this helps to encourage consumers to continue enjoying the tradition of British Pies and authentic regional produce.”
Charles Campion
Tamasin Day-Lewis has a laugh
Judging in full swing
L-R: Mary Ibottson, Martin Peters and Rachel Green
George Mount and Jack Harrison
THE RESULTS
- Supreme Champion – Chicken, Ham & Leek Pie by Morecambe Football Club, Lancashire
- Melton Mowbray Pork Pie – Mrs King’s Pies in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire
- Pork Pie –Walkers Charnwood Bakery in Leicester
- Steak & Kidney Pie –Turners Catering Pies in Bognor Regis, West Sussex
- Savoury Pie (Hot) – Chicken, Leek and Lava Bread Pie by Leonardo’s Deli of Ruthin, Denbighshire
- Savoury Pie (Cold) – Chicken and Ham Pie by Chunk of Devon in Ottery St Mary, Devon
- Fish Pie – Smoked Eel, Leek and Horseradish Pie by The Great North Pie Company in Stockport, Cheshire
- Vegetarian Pie – Cheshire Blue Cheese Pie by The Great North Pie Company in Stockport, Cheshire
- Cornish Pasty – Crantock Bakery in Newquay, Cornwall
- Other Pasty – Proper Cornish in Bodmin, Cornwall
- British Apple Pie – Bouverie Lodge in Nether Broughton, Leicestershire
- Other Dessert Pie – Cherry Pie by Kensey Foods in Launceston, Cornwall
- Football Pie – Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie by Morecambe Football Club, Lancashire
- Small Producers Special Awards – Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie by Morecambe FC
