Judges name chicken Kiev pie as best in UK

A pastry inspired by one of the UK's favourite dishes has been crowned champion at the British Pie Awards.

The chicken Kiev pie, from Baldy's Pies in Wigan, was crowned Supreme Champion, overcoming 1,040 entries at the awards, which are in their 18th year.

Judges described the pastry as being "beautifully crafted" and filled with "melt in the mouth tender chicken".

The British Pie Awards took place in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, home to renowned pork pies.

Baldy's Pies, which has now won 25 awards at the event, sells items to customers who travel from across the country to their Lancashire base.

In his tasting notes on the pie, the chief judge said it had a "pastry lid topping of panko and parsley with a hint of garlic which makes the pie so interesting to look at".

He said the filling had a subtle flavour which "did not overpower the natural flavours of the chicken".

Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: "As this year's Supreme Champion, Baldy's represents the very pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation, a true celebration of quality ingredients, skill and dedication.

"It has been an immense pleasure to witness such extraordinary standards once again."

The Chicken Kiev Pie takes over the crown from 2025 winners, Boghall Butchers of Bathgate in West Lothian, Scotland, who won with their fusion Kebab Pie last year.

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