Pub’s annual pork pie competition
Professional and amateur pork pie enthusiasts battled it out in an annual pork pie competition.
Butchers and bakers from across the country descended on Calderdale to celebrate all that is good about pork pies.
An almost equal batch of traditional and artisan pork pie creations were entered into the Pork Pie Appreciation Society’s charity competition at Ripponden, which was first held more than three decades ago.
The traditional section had 23 entries and 21 pies were entered in the artisan competition category. Judges, including special guest judge Craig Midwood from Hinchliffe’s Farm, Huddersfield, judged the pies in three rounds.
The winners of the ‘ traditional’ competition were: First place, Simon Hague of Bolster Moor Farm Shop, Hud- dersfield; runner-up, Wilsons Butchers, Crossgate, Leeds; third, Broster’s Farm Shop, Outlane; fourth, George Middlemiss, Otley.
The artisan judges voted for E and R Grange’s, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, pork and chicken creation. Simon Hague of Bolster Moor Farm Shop came second with his pork and red pepper pie.
Northowram’s Robinson’s Farm Shop’s sweet chilli pork pie impressed the judges tastebuds to come third in the 2015 competition and Southowram’s Ingfield Farm Shop came fourth with its speciality apple and pork pie.
Hundreds of pork pie and real ale fans supported the competition held at the historic Old Bridge Inn.
Crowds enjoyed the infamous Yorkshire speciality - a pork pie served with mushy peas and mint sauce - as they listened to the lively beats of Friendly Brass Band.
Senior pie judge and member of the society, Bruce Andrews, said: “It was another successful year with hundreds of people enjoying a pie and a pint to the fantastic sounds of Friendly Brass Band - how much more traditional can you get?”
Pub landlord Tim Walker said the annual event witnessed record attendance figures and despite earlier weather forecasts, the weather held out to make it a most enjoyable day for guests.
Proceeds raised from the sale of donated pies will go to Leonard Cheshire Homes for disabled adults, and Barkisland and Soyland in Bloom.