Doncaster butcher "over the moon" after three prizes at British Pie Awards
An acclaimed Doncaster butcher has joined the country’s upper crust – with three of his tasty creations scooping success at the British Pie Awards.
Darren Kitching, who runs Darren’s Family Butchers in Wheatley Hills, took three of his pies to the nationwide contest to mark British Pie Week and attracted entries from more than 1,000 pie makers from across the country.
And it was a clean sweep as all three pies picked up prizes.
He said: “We are absolutely over the moon to announce that our team has just returned from the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray with some serious silverware.
His steak and ale pie and traditonal pork pie both picked up silver awards, while his chilli pork pie was awarded bronze.
Added Darren: “Out of more than 1,000 entries from across the country, we are so proud to bring these awards home to Doncaster!
"A massive shout-out to our incredible team for all their hard work and, of course, to our amazing customers for your constant support. Come and grab an award-winner for yourself this week.”
Darren, who has run the Thorne Road shop for the last 12 years, was the only competitor from Doncaster taking part.
Darren, who employs eight staff at his shop near the Wheatley Hotel, previously spent 18 years working at Tickhill butcher Eaton’s before branching out on his own.
The annual contest attracts entries from butchers, bakers, pubs and chefs up and down the country – with an all expenses paid tribute to Japan to take part in a world pie contest up for grabs for this year’s winner.
A spokesperson for the British Pie Awards said: “The pie is one of the icons of British cuisine and probably one of Britain’s most important contributions to international cuisine.
"Savoury or sweet, hot or cold, the British eat millions of them every year worth over £1billion in total.
“These awards are a national celebration of British Pies in all their varieties and they have been running since 2009.”
The awards are held in Melton Mowbray, the Rural Capital of Food, and hosted by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association
For the purposes of the Awards a pie is defined as the following: “A pie is deemed to be a filling wholly encased in pastry and baked.”