When a vegan and gluten-free pie triumphed at the British Pie Awards in 2022, traditionalist eyebrows were raised.
But for many, order has now been restored after a steak, ale and stilton pie was crowned the 2023 winner.
Ian Jalland, owner and managing director of Brockleby’s Pies, the Leicestershire-based recipient of this year’s ‘UK supreme champion’ accolade, said he was “really chuffed” and that his victory shows “the backlash against vegan pies”.
“People want real meat pies and this win supports that,” he added.
The winning entry, named Moo-and-Blue, beat more than 900 other pies after 150 judges sampled the savoury snacks in tightly-controlled conditions.
The winner of the annual competition – which has been running since 2009 – was announced in St Mary’s Church in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, on Friday afternoon.
In contrast, last year’s winning entry went to Pieminister’s gluten-free and vegan “Mooless Pie”.
Mr Jalland added: “We do make vegan and gluten-free pies too, but we make and sell a lot more meat pies. We use beef from local farms, as well as some from our own, and free range chicken.”
He said: “We’ve been entering The British Pie Awards for 15 years and this is just the best result possible.”
Mr Jalland added that he would probably celebrate his victory by having just one beer later tonight so he could be prepared for his round of interviews in the morning to continue promoting his win and his steak, ale and stilton cheese pie.
Brockleby’s, which is a family-run company and makes more pies in the Melton borough than any other, has added the top award to its more than 30 accolades at the showcase event over the years.
Ahead of this year’s victor being unveiled, baking began on Wednesday in Britain’s unofficial pie capital, Leicestershire, as 908 bakers from pubs, restaurants and other establishments served up fillings ranging from Marmite-and-cheese, kebab and lasagne.
As well as attracting a record number of pies and pastries, the awards’ organisers recruited judges from major retailers, including Selfridges and Tesco, to work alongside chefs and pie experts.
Following a strong year for vegan pies in 2022, the category dropped to being the fifth most numerous among this year’s entries.
Matthew O’Callaghan, the Awards chairman, said: “We are always highly encouraged to see the nation’s love of pies at these annual awards, and this year there has been a huge level of excitement and creativity.
“On Wednesday we had the pleasure of enjoying some spectacular pies, and Brockleby’s Pies has overcome exceptionally stiff competition for not only the best hot-eating savoury pie, but has triumphed over all entries and been crowned supreme champion.
“These awards celebrate the skill of British piemakers across the nation, so I’d like to say a particular congratulations to Brockleby’s for this huge success.”
In 2019, Greggs’, the budget bakery chain, launched its vegan sausage roll to much fanfare and is planning on expanding its vegan range following soaring profits.
