Operators kicking off British Pie Week 2015

Operators across the UK are kicking off a host of pie-themed events and promotions for the start of British Pie Week.

British Pie Week runs until Sunday 8 March and is aimed at celebrating the provenance and diversity of the classic British dish as well as encouraging chefs to experiment and push new innovation with the indulgent treat.

Pie Off​

The Great British Pork Pie Off takes place tonight (Monday 2 March) at Truffle Hunting site the Princess Victoria in Shepherds Bush, London, with 13 chefs competing to produce the best pork pie.

A panel of judges will rate pies produced by contestants including reigning Pie Off champion Tom Langdon of the Garrison and BBC2 Great British Menu ​finalist Dominic Chapman of the Beehive.

The winning pie will then be sold in Selfridges’ Food Hall.

Shropsire's top of the crust​

Two Shropshire pubs are battling it out to decide who makes a better homemade pie.

Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn, near Bridgnorth and the Crown Inn, in Hopton Wafers, have asked members of the public to choose their favourite homemade pie, each containing Shropshire ale in their secret recipes.

Adam Giles, owner of Nostalgia Inns site Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn, said: "We are famed for our AGA Carvery - the first in the UK - also perfect for slow cooking our pies. I strongly believe we make the best pies in Shropshire."

The two pubs will serve a range of daily pies throughout British Pie Week and have set up a twitter hashtag aimed at encouraging visitors to both sites to share photos and opinions to decide the winner.

Terry Robertson, of the Crown Inn, said: "I challenge the public to vote and decide who makes the best pies during National Pie Week. What better a combination than a homemade soft crust pastry pie with a pint of local real ale?"

Promotional menus​

The Bo Peep Pub & Restaurant in Chelsfield, Kent, has introduced a promotional pie menu including a steak & ale short crust pie, chicken, leek and cream pie topped with melted brie and cranberries and mixed fish in dill cream pie topped with melted cheese mash and garden peas.

A collection of sweet pies including bannoffee pie, Bramley apple pie and lemon meringue pie will also be available.

Life-saving pie​

Islington gastropub the Drapers Arms is using its pie profits to help the less fortunate.

A portion of the price of each of the pub’s chicken, leek and carrot suet crust pies will be donated to charity Action Against Hunger, an international charity working to combat food poverty.

Donations will continue until the pie is taken off the menu in October.