British Pie Awards- What it takes to compete

Delivering to the British Pie Awards On March 4th, 2025, I proudly delivered my entries to the prestigious British...

Delivering to the British Pie Awards

On March 4th, 2025, I proudly delivered my entries to the prestigious British Pie Awards. These awards, held annually in the heart of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire—the rural capital of food—attract the best piemakers in the UK. In nervous hands, the pies make their way to the spiritual home of the pie.

The Fierce Competition and Past Success

Each year, over 900 entries are submitted, striving for a spot in the spotlight across 26 classes. These range from traditional favourites to inventive, modern takes. Naturally, the competition is fierce, and as a result, a panel of esteemed experts judge each pie. The criteria includes taste, texture, appearance, originality, and smell—the list goes on! I’m fortunate enough to have been successful in the past; in fact, one year, I even claimed two class champions!

This Year’s Entries and Past Awards

This year, I selected and entered five pies: steak and stilton, steak and ale, chicken and chorizo, chicken and leek, and cauliflower cheese—yum! Over the years, I’ve perfected each recipe. My first entry to the British Pie Awards was in 2016. However, the 2025 competition proved to be the toughest yet. Despite these challenges, I’m thrilled to win a silver award for cauliflower cheese. This pie always impresses the judges. As a result, it has become a legend in our kitchen and continues to be a crowd-pleaser.

Looking Ahead

As I look back on this year’s competition, I am proud of my work and the effort involved. I take pride in knowing my pies are part of a long tradition and I’m contributing to the rich and delicious legacy of the British pie. Here at Thomas The Caterer, we’re already excited for next year’s British Pie Awards. While we wait, I’m still doing what I love—making pies that bring joy to others, one bite at a time!

Behind The Scenes

Above is the link to my YouTube video of behind the scenes of British Pie Week at Thomas The Caterer.

Tom's golden brown British Pie Award entries in baking tins.
The British Pie Awards entries!