Western Daily Press (Saturday)
MEET BUTCHER WHOSE VEGAN CREATION WON BRITISH PIE AWARDS
IF there was one town in Britain where a vegan pie was never going to reign supreme it would almost certainly be Melton Mowbray.
But turning the form book on its head, a butcher from Somerset yesterday defied the odds in the spiritual home of the pork pie to land the top prize at the British Pie Awards with a vegan pie.
Jon Thorner’s, based at Pylle near Shepton Mallet, was crowned as Supreme Champion at the prestigious awards in the Leicestershire town.
Nearly 900 pies had been vying for the gong, but Jon Thorner’s curried sweet potato and butternut squash vegan pie was voted the best.
Although Mr Thorner has been recognised for a vegan pie, his farm shop was created as an extension of the family farm and abattoir.
In 2017 the business won the steak and kidney pie class at the same awards.
He said: “We’re so thrilled at the level of success our vegan pie has had.
“We’ve been baking meat pies for over a decade, progressed to vegetarian and just recently decided to branch out and create a vegan pie, in an effort to make our pies more accessible.
“Winning the 2019 British Pie Awards is completely unexpected and we are very honoured to receive the title of Supreme Champion – guess we’ll keep our vegan pie on the menu!”
Head judge Colin Woodhead 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.”
He also commended its “moist and well-balanced filling”.
It was the first time that a vegan pie had triumphed in the 11-year history of the British Pie Awards.
Jon Thorner’s farm shop opened in 1979 and was one of the first of its kind.
It has been baking hand-crimped pies since 2005.
The award comes as vegan food is enjoying plenty of headlines.
High street baker Gregg’s this week reported revenues of more than £1 billion for the first time.
It credited the launch of a vegan sausage roll for increased footfall.
And this was the first year that there was a separate vegan category at the awards, attracting 68 entrants.
Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the British Pie Awards, 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.
“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.”