Wadworth, the Devizes-based pub operator and family brewer, has held its 11th annual pie competition, with Rockin’ Moroccan Lamb Pie claiming the crown.
The winning pie was devised by Mike Escott and Ray Turnball and created by chef Marina Tuffnell (pictured) at Barton’s Mill Pub & Dining, Old Basing in Hampshire.
Tuffnell’s winning recipe was created using lamb shoulder, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, apricots served in a short crust pastry with rosemary parmentier potatoes and roasted Mediterranean vegetables. It will now be sold across Wadworth’s managed house estate, until the end of April.
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 their feedback on the dishes through online and in-pub feedback forms.
The customer feedback was used to cut the competition from 48 entrants down to five finalists; Broad Street Tavern’s 6 Nations, Cleveland Bay’s The Piggy Chicken, Colesbourne Inn’s 6X Golden Shot Pie, Lansdowne Arms’ Cheeks Full of Pudding and the Barton’s Mill’s Rockin’ Moroccan Lamb Pie.
Seven judges then tasted the pies in the final rating in six categories including; presentation, quality of pastry, quality of filling, strength of flavours, quality and innovation and value for money. Barton Mill’s Rockin’ Moroccan Lamb Pie received the highest score and was commended for its variety of ingredients, depth of flavour and unique taste.
Marina Tuffnell commented, “We are delighted that our Rockin’ Moroccan Lamb Pie has been crowned as best pie in the annual Wadworth Pie Feast competition. We wanted to come up with something a bit different, yet very tasty for our customers. We’re all very excited to see the pie being rolled out across the managed houses.”
Rupert Bagnell, head of managed houses at Wadworth, said, “The competition this year was really fierce. There were so many quality pie recipes submitted, with interesting flavour combinations and inventiveness. Judging this competition is great fun, although it is getting harder and harder to choose a winner every year. Congratulations to Marina, Mike, Ray and everyone that has taken part and I hope our customers enjoy the Rockin’ Moroccan Lamb!”