Brews & Eats
Finalists announced for Wadworth's annual pie competition

Crown Inn, Tolldown chefs, Anthony McBride and Neikell Plummer’s Jerk Chicken Pie, and George Inn, Lacock chef, Nicky Giddings’, Beef Beer and Beetroot pie have crowned as finalists of the twelfth annual pie competition, run by Devizes-based pub operator and family brewer, Wadworth. The Crown Inn’s delicious recipe was created using chicken thigh, treacle, carrots, celery, onions, soy sauce and a variety of spices, and is served in a short crust pastry alongside sweet potato mash and fried bananas. Nicky’s mouth-watering recipe was created using beef steak, stout, onions, carrots, beetroot, celery and a variety of herbs, and is served in a short crust pastry alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables and gravy. Both pubs narrowly lost out to Avon Causeway chef, Jake McBride, who created a Pork, Chorizo and Sunblush pie. To celebrate National Pie Week, the winning pie will be sold across Wadworth’s managed pubs from 5th March while stocks last. Entrants were asked to submit recipes with allergen information, as well as a cost breakdown. Individual pubs then promoted their pies to customers who gave feedback on the dishes through an online link. The customer feedback this year was really high, with 700 votes being casted, and was used to cut down the competition to the final six. [caption id=“attachment_35790” align=“aligncenter” width=“695”] The George Inn[/caption] Seven judges including Wadworth’s head of managed houses Rupert Bagnall, then tasted the pies and judged them on presentation, quality of pastry, quality of filling, strength of flavours, quality and innovation, value for money and standard of service. Anthony McBride from Crown Inn, said: “We are really proud to have been chosen as a finalist and to be representing Crown Inn Tavern in the 12th annual pie competition. We have been finalised in the annual pie competition before, it is great fun for the pub and good to see the community get behind us. Congratulations to all of the finalists and the winner!” Nicky Giddings from George Inn, said: “We are thrilled to have made it through as a finalist in the 12th annual pie competition. This is the first time we have made it through to the final, and we want to send a huge thanks to the locals for showing their support!” Rupert Bagnell, head of managed houses at Wadworth, said: “A terrific diverse range of pies made the finals this year, with flavours from warm spice to superfoods, making the judging both incredibly close and difficult. Congratulations to all the finalists.” Sponsors of this years’ Annual Pie Competition were Essential Cuisine and Walter Rose and Sons, and the company producing the winning pie is Chunks of Devon. To find out more about the Crown Inn, please visit: www.thecrowntolldown.co.uk To find out more about the George Inn, please visit: www.georgeinnlacock.co.uk

  • Finalists announced for Wadworth's annual pie competition