Countdown to the British Pie Awards 2017

As the deadline for entries to the 2017 British Pie Awards (BPA) draws near (February 17), this year’s judging panel is revealed. 

The ninth edition of the award will take place on March 8, in the Leicestershire town of Melton Mowbray.

The Awards, held during British Pie Week (March 6-13) and hosted by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, celebrate British nation’s love of pies. A line-up of over 70 expert pie judges are confirmed to date – with further opportunities remaining for experts and pie lovers to join the panel. The list of pie judges includes national food writers (Rachel Walker of the Sunday Times, Leah Hyslop of Sainsbury’s Magazine and Olive Magazine food director Janine Ratcliffe, for example). Other foodie experts include food historian Marc Meltonville, Colin Lomax of the British Society of Baking and Roast head chef, Stuart Cauldwell.

The 2016 BPA saw 816 pies entered from 132 professional bakers, butchers and chefs. This year, for the first time, pie makers can apply online by filling out an application form on the BPA website.

There are 21 classes to enter this year. In celebration of the traditional pies associated with different regions across Britain, entrants are invited to create a traditional regional pie. For this category, the special judges welcome everything from the Forfar Bridie in Scotland to the Midland’s Bedfordshire Clanger – as long as it follows BPA rules (available at www.britishpieawards.co.uk).