A butcher from Bathgate has ended a 17-year wait by winning the top prize at the British Pie Awards.
The Kebab Pie, made by Boghall Butchers, was named Supreme Champion – or ‘Pie of Pies’ – at the event held in the spiritual home of the pork pie, Melton Mowbray, during British Pie Week (3 to 9 March).
The pie saw off competition from more than 900 other entries. It was created following demand from the butcher’s younger customers for a pie with a kebab meat filling. The recipe is primarily composed of chicken and beef, with a chilli marinade and sweet chilli sauce. However, short crust pastry was used in the competition entry to cater for the English market.
The move paid off, with senior judge Mike Holling praising the kebab pie’s “amazing” pastry. Holling also said the pie had an excellent overall bake and presentation, a filling which was tasty and well-seasoned, and “definitely had the wow factor”.
Boghall Butchers has a history of success in the British Pie Awards, with wins in meat, vegetarian, and dessert pie categories over the years but this is the first time it has taken the top accolade.
The family-run business is owned by Paul and Christine Boyle. Paul, who created the winning pie with the help of his daughter Mariesha, said he cried after winning.
“I couldn’t get my words out, I’ve never been emotional like that, we’ve been working at becoming champion since 2009, we are absolutely delighted,” he said.
“I was shaking with emotion and finally regained my composure so I could speak to accept the award.”
The supreme champions will now be invited to Japan to showcase the Kebab Pie as part of the Great British Fair in October at the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka.
