Don’t get crusty, pie lovers, but winner of top award is... vegan
SOME might say it’s not the heartiest of fillings to warm you up on a cold day.
But critics will be forced to eat their words – after a vegan pie was crowned the best in the country. The curried sweet potato and butternut squash bake was hailed as ‘exceptional’ by judges as it swept aside 886 crusty competitors at the British Pie Awards. It is the first time in the award’s 11year history that a vegan offering has bagged the top prize. The award went to Somerset-based butcher Jon Thorner, who has been making meat-based pies for more than a decade. His eponymous farm shop, which opened in 1979, was crowned Class Champion in the Steak and Kidney category in 2017. ‘ We’re so thrilled at the level of success our vegan pie has had,’ Mr Thorner said. The top crust beat 886 entries made by piemakers from across the country to take home the title. The vegan category, which was introduced this year, attracted 68 entries – the second highest after the Beef and Any Flavour Combination which had 77. Head judge Colin Woodhead praised the pie for its crispness, moistness and well-balanced filling. He said: ‘There are a number of challenges to making a good vegan pie and this has cracked it. The pastry was exceptional with a crispness that complemented the filling.’
Matthew O’Callaghan, British Pie Awards chairman, said: ‘This year’s supreme champion was outstanding and well deserving of the accolade.
‘From its very appearance on the judging tray, you knew it was going to do well and it didn’t disappoint when it was opened and tasted.’
He added: ‘This pie isn’t just for vegans, it’s a pie for everybody.
‘With this award we can truly say that veganism is now entering the mainstream of British food.’
The British Pie Awards, which marked its 11th anniversary this year, was hosted by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association.
Other new categories this year included a specialist fish and chip shop pie and best young pie maker.
But the rise of veganism has not been without controversy. In January, Greggs received widespread criticism from meat-lovers after announcing its vegan sausage roll.