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A gluten-free vegetarian pie has been hailed the Supreme Champion at the British Pie Awards.
The 'Mooless Pie' was crowned the 'Pie of Pies' at the awards ceremony on Friday following a thorough testing by judges in St. Mary's Church last Wednesday.
A record 151 judges chomped their way through the pies in St Mary’s Church on Wednesday. Photo: NEMM
The pie beat off stiff competition from a record 976 pies of all types to win the most prestigious award in the pie world. Made by Pieminister of Bristol, the pie is being hailed as a ‘Pie for Everyone’ by Chairman of the British Pie Awards Dr Matthew O’Callaghan.
Dr O'Callaghan said: "Up to now Gluten Free Pies were always compared unfavourably with other pies. With this pie Gluten Free Pies are now equal to any other pie. Being Vegetarian and Gluten Free, Pieminister’s ‘Mooless Pie’ is an ‘Everybody’s Pie’ be they vegetarian or meat eater, Gluten tolerant or intolerant."
He added: "Serve this at a meal and almost everyone’s a winner! Congratulations Pieminister! This was a superb pie, it looked good, had a nice even golden bake. The pastry was crunchy complimented by the moist filling which had ‘bite’ and the balance of flavours in the pie was just right.”
Judging at the British Pie Awards last week in Melton Mowbray. Photo: NEMM
The casing of the pie is a gluten free pastry with the filling composed of Jackfruit ‘Steak’, Craft Ale, Carrot, Onion and seasoning ( Black Pepper. Rosemary, Thyme) Tomato Puree. Bristol based Pieminister was founded in 2003 by Tristan Hogg, Jon Simon and Romany Simon.
Small beginnings and farmers markets led to a pitch at the prestigious Borough Market and then the Glastonbury Festival which put Pieminister on the culinary map. Innovations in vegetarian and alternative pies increased their loyal following until now they employ over 300 people. They still make their pies in Bristol and say they eat pies every day.
A selection of pies on offer to the judges last week. Photo: NEMM
A record 151 judges chomped their way through the pies in St Mary’s Church in that Capital of Pies; Melton Mowbray. Some 23 classes cover Pork Pies, Steak & Ale, Game, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dessert, Vegetarian etc.
Sponsor of the Supreme Champion is the Melton Mowbray Building Society, Chief Executive Simon Taylor said: “We are extremely delighted to be sponsoring the Supreme Champion award at the 2022 British Pie Awards. We are proud to be part of this event taking place in our local community, Melton Mowbray and can’t wait to taste all the wild and wonderful pies.”
The Supreme Champion was awarded to Pieminister of Bristol. Photo: NEMM
The Supreme Champion piemaker is invited to the British Fair in Japan with Flight and Hotel expenses paid courtesy of the generosity of Hankyu Department Store of Japan.
Small Producer Award was awarded to Nice Pie of Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray.
Newcomer Award went to Dickies’s Pies of Radstock.
Young Piemaker Award goes to Paul Curran (16yrs old) of WeeCook, Carnoustie.
Best Scottish Meat Pie Award goes to Lochinver Larder of Lockinver.
For details of individual winners including Class Champions, Highly Commended, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards see www.britishpieawards.co.uk