Great North Pie: White Bean, Goats Cheese, Orange & Cranberry Pie

White Bean, Goats Cheese, Orange & Cranberry Pie

Third offering from the Great North Pie Co pie deal we tried at the recent market in Deva town. Described by themselves as "Braised White beans, five mile goats cheeese, beetroot cream, dried cranberry, orange juice & zest, oregano and caraway".

Now this pie muncher does like Goats cheese  but it is a taste which is divisive amongst family, friends and the Pie Tribe. A bit like marmite you either love it or loathe it. Also some ingredients, for the younger members of the Pie tribe, immediately make them cautious (beetroot definitely being one of them) when approaching something new. 

This is an exceptional Pie without a shadow of a doubt. It shares the same dedication to some basic high standards that all the others that we have tried have. 

The pastry is just right, enough to taste and enough to hold the contents together (if eating by hand). The topping has attention to detail. Rather than just a glaze they have given each a separate delicate identity which adds to the overall experience. All the pies we have tasted are consistent in shape, depth and filling (to the roof) which we like.

The only problem we had over this pie was "how good" and what score could we give. After much debate we decided on (9.6/10) which ranks it definitely as one of the very best pies we have ever tasted. We cannot wait to try some more from this Artisan pie maker whenever we can.

Great North Pie Co: Classic Lancashire Cheese & Onion

Classic Lancashire Cheese & Onion Pie

The second offering from our introduction the Great North Pie Co was their classic Lancashire cheese & onion. They are based in Wilmslow but have a rolling programme of market appearances in Cheshire, Manchester and Derbyshire having won "BEST PUB PIE IN BRITAIN 2014" with this offering.

Described in their leaflet as "Dewlay's Tasty Lancashire cheese, caramelised white onion, white pepper, nutmeg & Japanese breadcrumbs" it was the start of a quite fierce debate amongst the pie tribe. As to it's quality there was no doubt but how it ranked with another offering from the Great North Pie Co, did.

This was very tasty and we collectively gave it a 9.5/10 which puts it easily amongst the best pies we have ever tasted.

Great North PIe Co: Spiced Ham, Honey Roast Parsnip and Chestnut

Spiced Ham, Honey Roast Parsnip and Chestnut

Wandering through town on an unrelated errand and stumbled upon the Great North Pie Co stall at local market. Oh happy days, what a selection of mouth watering recipes to tempt the dieting Pie Tribe!! 

First up the Spiced Ham, Honey Roast Parsnip and Chestnut Pie. Their description on the leaflet ( excellent idea pie makers please note) provided was "Slow roast with clove and cinnamon, honey roast parsnip, roast chestnuts, mustard and horseradish cream, lemon,sesame and Paxo stuffing breadcrumbs" If that doesn't get your taste buds salivating I don't know what will. 

The collective Pie tribe gave this a 9/10 without much debate or argument. Pastry just right held together but not thick. Pie full to the brim no air gap whatsoever and a filling that justified the description. Tasty ...oh yes. Not cheap, but easily a meal in itself.

Tesco: Large Melton Mowbray

Tesco: Large Melton Mowbray

One of first pies pf the year . A good price as it was bought from the "povvy" counter. Enough for four to picnic on, lacking in jelly though, pastry a bit thick and meat ok but little by way of taste except salty? Considering the price and size it was ok, just, but nothing to get excited about. Tesco Bargain bin purchase only. (6/10)

Tesco: Large Melton Mowbray