Enjoy slice of pie life

PIEFEST RETURNS TO COUNTY TOWN’S CATTLE MARKET

THE event described as “Britain’s favourite pie festival” is taking place in Melton this weekend.

PieFest returns to the town’s livestock market, in Scalford Road, on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7.

Visitors will be able to pick up some of Melton’s world-famous, European-protected pork pies, as well as a whole range of other treats.

There will be sweet pies, savoury pies, cold pies and hot pies to eat on the go, accompanied by mash, vegetables and lashings of gravy.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will also be available, and among the bakers present will be past and current winners of the British Pie Awards – including at least two Supreme Champions.

Aficionados will be invited to make their own judgement on the food on offer and be in with a chance of winning a hamper by voting for their favourite pie.

There will be talks, workshops and demonstrations, including one from Stephen Hallam, former managing director of Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, hand raising a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, assisted by randomly selected members of the audience.

Visitors will have the chance to buy other food and drink items which complement the pies, such as cheese, cider, beer, chutneys and wine. Organiser Matthew O’Callaghan, said: “We’ve had a lot of incredible coverage of our pies this year in the national media and rightly so.

“Melton is the UK Capital of Pies. We know how to make them better than anyone else, with local firms such as Brockleby’s complementing Dickinson and Morris in offering a wide range of pies at this year’s PieFest.”

The event will run from 10am until 4pm both days.

Tickets can be bought online, and will also be available on the gate at £5. Children aged 16 and under enter free. No dogs are allowed, except service dogs.