Brockleby’s steak, ale and stilton pie crowned 2023 winner at British Pie Awards
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.
By Gabriella Swerling / The Telegraph
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