Cornish pasties are classified as pies, so why not shepherd’s pies?
Nearly all pies have a rural nomenclature. This article goes on to largely reinforce the case for this although it does introduce one more urban flavoured option “football” pie. As for its central question as to the role of pastry in defining pie status – the issue is far too important and controversial for me to offer an official RSN view – read on and let me know what you think…
The prestigious British Pie Awards has ruled that a British pie must include “a filling totally and wholly encased in pastry”, outlawing anything with a lattice, fruit or potato topping.
But a new pie lobby, backed by country pub chain Vintage Inns, is preparing to challenge the archaic rules and demand the age-old pie-rule book is scrapped and rewritten.
The British Pie Awards aim to “celebrate the heritage of the British pie, protect and promote regional specialities, recognise the craft of bakers, butchers and other producers, and support British produce.”
There are 20 categories, including Melton Mowbray pork pie, steak and kidney pie, beef & ale, chicken, Cornish pasty, and football pie – a pie commercially sold at football clubs.
It aims to convince judges at the British Pie Awards, the gold standard as far as UK made pies are concerned, to finally allow the entry of pies which aren’t made from “a filling totally and wholly encased in pastry”.