Slice into pub pie comp

pub pie

A NATIONWIDE search is on to find the best pub pie in Scotland.

Graham and Rachel Bucknall, owners of the Bridge Inn in the village of Ratho on the outskirts of Edinburgh and who launched the competition, are asking pubs to enter their best pie recipes and explain what makes theirs special.

The top five entries will be shortlisted and judged at a blind tasting event on Thursday October 24 by a five-strong panel of industry experts, which includes SLTN’s Dave Hunter, food and drink writer Rosalind Erskine and The Bridge Inn’s head chef Ross Trail.

Two awards will be up for grabs on the night with the Best Pub Pie Award decided by the judges and the People’s Choice Award, which will be voted on by the pubgoers on the day. The winner will also receive a crate of beer from Belhaven, while The Bridge Inn is offering the victor a complimentary three course meal for two.

Rachel said: “We’ve long been known for our hand-raised pies and know how much our regulars love a pie to accompany a good beer.

“They are known as traditional Scottish comfort food which is why we want to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite dishes and of course we are looking forward to sampling the best pies that Scottish pubs have to offer.”

Pub staff wishing to put their top pie forward for the competition have until 5pm on Friday October 4 to do so. Tickets for the event are available for ÂŁ10 per person and include five mini pies and a pint of Belhaven Best with those in attendance having the chance to sample the shortlisted pies.

Those wishing to download an entry form or purchase tickets to the event can visit www.bridgeinn.com