Devon pie maker beats artisan rivals to take top industry title

A commercial pie manufacturer based in Ottery St Mary has secured a "Class Winner" title at the British Pie Awards, competing against small-scale artisan producers from across the UK.

Chunk of Devon took the top spot in the Steak and Red Wine category for its Original Steak & Red Wine Pie. The company also secured a second Gold medal for its Steak & Ale recipe.

The British Pie Awards is considered one of the industry's most rigorous competitions, often dominated by micro-producers and small independent butchers.

Simon Bryon-Edmond, who founded Chunk of Devon 20 years ago, said the standard of competition remained "incredibly high," noting that many entrants operate with fewer than five employees.

"To stand shoulder to shoulder with them and come away with these awards means a great deal to us," Mr Bryon-Edmond said.

The judging panel also recognised the company’s Steak Pasty, which received a Silver and a "Commended" award. According to the manufacturer, the recipe for the pasty has remained unchanged since it was first developed two decades ago.

Despite the wins, customers will have to wait to sample the top-rated products; the company confirmed that the Gold-winning Steak & Ale and the Class-winning Steak & Red Wine pies will only be released in limited quantities from April 2026, with a wider launch scheduled for later that year.

Other accolades for the Devon firm included a Silver for its Steak & Haggis Pie with Whisky, and Bronze medals for its Gluten Free Steak & Ale Pie, Butter Chicken Pasty, and Chicken, Leek & Bacon Pie.

The event, which attracts hundreds of entries from across the country, serves as a benchmark for quality in the British pastry industry, judging entries on appearance, bake, and the quality of the filling.