British Pie Week: Pub 'goes large' with Newky Brown pie

Diners at County Durham pub will definitely need big appetites when a classic dish gets the North East treatment during British Pie Week, running from March 2 to 8.

The Ox Inn in Stanley will be serving up an exclusive, handmade steak and Newcastle Brown Ale pie that is strictly for sharing.

Specially designed to serve up to four people, the pie measures almost a foot in length and weighs over 2lbs, filling a whole dinner plate. The pub serves it with homemade chips, a jug of gravy and plenty of vegetables.

The Ox Inn has teamed up with award winning pie maker the Pie Mill to create the distinctive dish. Jim Hodge, owner of the Pie Mill, said: "This was the kind of challenge we love. We are always on the look-out for new recipes and ideas and feel that in this case the Newcastle Brown Ale complements the steak perfectly with its real nutty, caramel flavour.

Peter Kennedy, manager of The Ox Inn, said: "Eating is a very social pastime and lots of dishes are ideal for sharing. As people are increasingly concerned with buying British these days we also thought it was the perfect opportunity to showcase the very best of local produce, as all the ingredients in the pie are sourced from the North of England. "

John Edwards, marketing director for Newcastle Brown Ale, said: "From the minute The Ox Inn approached us, we loved the idea of creating a limited edition pie.

"Newcastle Brown Ale has been used in many recipes ranging from stews right the way through to ice-cream so this was something we were very keen to support. I'm sure it will go down a treat during Pie Week."