North East pub celebrates after winning at prestigious pie awards

The Woodmans Arms, in Whickham, won the Pub Pie category at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray for its boozy beef bourguignon pie. The pub's creation, made with beef, back bacon, button mushrooms, and pearl onions in a rich red wine, ale, and Worcester sauce gravy, was a hit with the judges. The Woodmans Arms winning pie (Image: Supplied) The newly-developed recipe for 2025 also won three silver awards in other categories.

The pub's chicken, spinach, and chickpea tikka pie won two bronze awards in the chicken pie and pub pie categories. The spicy pulled beef chilli pie also won a bronze award in the pub pie category, while the steak, Guinness, and leek pie retained its bronze accolade in the beef and vegetable pie category for the second year running. The Woodsmans Arms winning pie (Image: Supplied) David Whitehead, director of DWC Enterprises, which runs The Woodmans Arms, said: "I’m over the moon our team has been awarded the best pub pie in Britain.



"This amazing accolade is testament to the hard work and effort they put in each and every day." The British Pie Awards, now in their 17th year, celebrate the nation's most delicious pies, from traditional British to innovative and 'whacky' creations. The contest comprises 26 different classes or types of pie, including traditional favourites as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free pies.

This year’s awards also saw the introduction of new categories, including steak and wine, and steak and ale, to make the judging more streamlined. The British Pie Awards recruited 169 judges to assess every single entry. The judging panel included representatives from Selfridges, M&S, and Fortnum and Mason, alongside esteemed food writers, a Great British Bake Off winner, and a plethora of chefs and pie experts.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: "The pie is Britain’s most important contribution to world food heritage. "These awards celebrate the skills and ingenuity of all those involved in pie-making, from traditional recipes to more exotic creations." The Woodmans Arms' award-winning pies will be available on the seasonal specials board.

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