Best Pork Pies In The Uk

Alright, mate, let's dive into the world of pastry perfection. We're talking pork pies, the UK's unsung heroes of the savoury snack scene. You might think you know your way around a pie, but stick around, 'cause we're about to blow your mind with some quirky facts and mouth-watering tales.

What's in a Name?

Ever wondered why they're called 'pork' pies when they're made from minced pork? Well, buckle up, 'cause here comes a blast from the past. Back in the day, these pies were filled with pork offcuts, which were too small to sell separately. Clever butchers found a way to turn waste into want, and thus, the pork pie was born.

Meet the Melton Mowbray

You can't talk about pork pies without mentioning the crème de la crème, the Melton Mowbray. These bad boys hail from the quaint town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. To earn the Melton Mowbray name, pies must meet strict criteria: they've gotta be handmade, with a minimum weight of 300g, and filled with uncured pork. No shortcuts here, folks!

Fun Fact!

Melton Mowbray pies are so revered, they've got their own PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. That's right, they're like the French wine of the pie world. Fancy, huh?

Pork Pie Records

Now, let's get record-breaking. The world's largest pork pie was crafted in 2016 by Pork Farms. We're talking a whopping 1.45m in diameter and 1.2m tall. That's one serious pie mountain!

But it's not just size that counts. In 2019, a baker from Lincolnshire set the record for the most pork pies made in 30 seconds. Impressive, right? But get this - he made 18! That's one pie every 1.67 seconds. Talk about a pie-making machine!

Pork Pie Lovers

You might think you're a pork pie aficionado, but have you ever tried one with a side of... ice cream? Yep, you heard right. The Pork Pie & Ice Cream combo is a thing, and it's all thanks to the quirky folk of Melton Mowbray. Sweet and savoury never tasted so good!

Pork Pies - Welbeck Farm Shop

Fun Fact!

Pork pies have been around since the 18th century. That's right, they're practically ancient history. And they've been a staple at British picnics ever since. Who needs cucumber sandwiches when you can have pie?

How to Eat a Pork Pie

Now, you might think the best way to eat a pork pie is straight from the packet, but you'd be missing out. The true connoisseur knows that the perfect pork pie needs a little something extra. We're talking piccalilli, mustard, or even a cheeky bit of chutney. The world's your oyster (or pie, in this case).

But here's a pro tip - never, ever microwave a pork pie. The pastry will go all soggy and sad. No one wants a sad pie. Stick to the good old-fashioned way - let it cool, then tuck in. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Pork Pie Trivia

Ever wondered why pork pies have that little hole in the top? It's not just for aesthetic purposes, you know. That bad boy is there to let the steam out while the pie's baking. No steam, no rise. It's all about the science, folks!

Authentic British Pork Pie Recipe – FFIIBN

And while we're on the subject of holes, did you know that the hole in the middle of a pork pie is called a 'suet pudding'? No, we're not making it up. It's a thing. Go on, impress your mates at the next pub quiz!

Pork Pie Poetry

We've saved the best till last. You might think pork pies are just, well, pies. But no, no, no. They're so much more. They're a way of life. A love story. A poem, even. Here, let us set the scene:

In the heart of the UK, under the sky so grey,
Lives a pie so humble, yet bold in its own way.
With a pastry so golden, a filling so fine,
It's a taste that'll make your taste buds chime.

See? Pork pies are poetry in motion. They're the unsung heroes of the snack world, and we're here for it.

So there you have it, folks. The lowdown on the UK's finest pork pies. Next time you're reaching for a packet, remember the history, the records, the love. And most importantly, remember the ice cream. Happy munching!