Leeson’s Butchers in Oakham wins prize for best pork pie at British Pie Awards

A town butcher has the recipe for success as his pork pie was crowned favourite at an awards.

Oakham-based Leeson’s Butchers has triumphed at this year’s British Pie Awards, taking home the prize for best pork pie.

No stranger to the taste of victory the butchers has won a number of awards for its pies including at the PieFest and the Melton Mowbray Fatstock Show. It has previously won prizes at the British Pie Awards for its recipe, which is decades in the making according to owner Steve Leeson.

Leeson's Butchers' pork pie fought off 62 other entries in the category to take home the prize.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairperson of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: “We are always highly encouraged to see the nation’s love of pies at these annual awards, and this year there has been a huge level of excitement and creativity.

"On Wednesday we had the pleasure of enjoying some spectacular pies, and Leeson’s Butchers has overcome exceptionally stiff competition for best pork pie.

"These awards celebrate the skill of British pie makers across the nation, so I’d like to say a particular congratulations to them for this success."

The pie-oneering awards, now in its 15th year, celebrates the nation’s most delicious pies – from the traditionally British to the totally whacky.

The contest comprises 23 different classes or types of pie including traditional favourites and newcomers such as vegan and gluten free pies.

Other memorable entries in the contest included a marmite and cheese concoction and fusion pies such as balti pies, vindaloo pies, kebab pies, and a lasagne pie.