WEYMOUTH pies wow the judges at the British Pie Awards.

Staff at the Handmade Pie and Ale House, close to the train station in Weymouth, say they are delighted to have four of their pies lauded by the judging panel at the recent awards.

The won a slew of prizes across various different classes, garnering bronze, silver and gold accolades.

The eighth annual British Pie Awards took place in Melton Mowbray, last month and this year 816 pies were entered from 132 professional bakers and butchers.

All the pies entered had to go through a rigorous judging process. More than 100 top pie experts sampled the produce, including TV chef Andy Bates, food critic Charles Campion and chef Rachel Green.

Out of all the hopefuls, the Handmade Pie and Ale House received a bronze medal for the lamb and mint pie, the gluten free steak and ale was awarded a bronze medal, the luxury fish pie was awarded a silver medal, the steak and ale was awarded a silver medal and the cow pie was awarded a gold medal.

The judges made their decisions based on a range of criteria, appearance, texture and taste.

Mathew O'Callaghan, Chairman of the British Pie Awards, said: " What a year for the awards - we've seen a truly varied and plentiful plethora of pies.

“The standard of entrants this year was higher than ever before, and the Handmade Pie and Ale House pie selection thoroughly deserved to be awarded these awards. Well done!"

"Each year we hold the awards to encourage innovation in pies and I believe we have outdone ourselves this year.

“I'd like to give my sincere thanks to all involved, including our judges, sponsors, volunteers and of course all the wonderful pie makers."

Ciaran Donaldson from the restaurant said the whole team was delighted to win the awards.

He said: "This years British Pie Awards has been a record for us. Since we first entered four years ago, we have entered and won awards every year.

"This year there was a total of 816 pies entered from all over the United Kingdom. We entered eight of our very scrumptious and popular pies into the awards and we received five awards, one gold, two silver and two bronze."

He added: "We are completely over the moon with this years' result.

"We are very proud to be the only business in the local area to be able to supply the public with our multi-national award winning handmade pies.

"Here at the Handmade Pie and Ale House we are always improving our pies and producing new flavours so pop on down."

For more information on The Handmade Pie and Ale House visit thehandmadepieandalehouse.com or call 01305 459342.

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