Olive magazine search for best pub pie with M&S

The competition is only open to pies from pubs in the UK - submissions from restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues will not be accepted. The pie must be hot, made in-house and have a savoury filling but can have either a single or double pastry crust (top and bottom or just top).

It is for part of Olive’s pubs special issue (5 February) that will include recipes by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge of Greene King tenancy the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire; Olive’s manifesto for the perfect pub; and chefs recommending their favourite pubs across the UK.

The magazine is planning a nationwide marketing and PR campaign to promote the competition, following a similar contest last year to find the nation’s best bacon butty.

Special pub issue​

"Olive has a history of supporting the best of the British food scene, from identifying trends such as the gin resurgence to championing particular producers," said Christine Hayes. "We now turn our attention to great British watering holes in this special pub issue. A good pub always has a homemade daily pie on the menu and we’re excited about finding the very best pub pie in the country. We are urging readers and publicans alike to nominate theirs."

An M&S spokesperson added: "We know just how much the British public love their pies and sell tens of thousands around the country each week. We’re excited to be part of a competition that celebrates this national dish and are looking forward to helping find the winner."

The competition is available for entry from 5 February via Olive’s blog​. The results will be published in the June issue.