British Pie Awards see return of fish & chip shop class

The 2020 British Pie Awards are now open for entry with the Fish & Chip Shop Pie class making a return.

The Fish & Chip Shop category was introduced last year as a special “themed” class, but proved so popular it’s back again.

Entries can be any shape, must have a filling totally encased in pastry and be baked, and may weigh up to 660g. The only other rule is that the pie must be sold in a fish and chip shop.

Last year the accolade was won by The Cods Scallops in Nottingham for its Steak & Scale Ale pie.

There are 23 different categories at this years awards, which will be held on Friday 6th March 2020 in Britain’s pork pie capital, Melton Mowbray, with judging taking place on Wednesday 4th March.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: “We have judged well over 9,000 pies since the Awards were first founded in 2009. During that time the quality and range of pies submitted have increased significantly; a tribute to the craft and skills of the British Pie Maker.

“Each year our panel of around 150 culinary experts and pie connoisseurs have the enviable task of judging entries from around the country, with many of the best pies going on to secure prestigious catering opportunities and national listings. This really is a platform where producers of all sizes can shine!”

The awards, held during British Pie Week (2nd-8th March 2020), celebrate our nation’s love of pies. Hot or cold, sweet or savoury, Brits eat around £1billion-worth of them every year.

Entry to the awards is now open at www.britishpieawards.co.uk and will run until 5pm on Friday 14th February 2020.