Although the meat pie is a staple of many Aussie diets, no one knows pies quite like the British. The British Pie Awards for 2024 saw underdogs rise up through the ranks and win in categories they would not often be seen in.

Lydia Sumter took out the title of Supreme Champion at this year’s awards with her Minted Wensleydale Lamb and Potato Pie which she developed in a chippy in County Durham. Middleton-In-Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop is located near Barnard Castle and is run by Sumter and her partner Jonathon Scott.

Lydia has spent the last 12 years baking pies at the store and has alternative methods that gave her the edge she needed to take out the title. The lamb for the pie is sourced from a traditional hill farm run by her mother and brother which she says gives the lamb a unique flavour due to the environment they graze in.

As for the flaky shortcrust pastry, Lydia says her focus is on getting the right thickness and an even bake for a great first impression when you take a bite—which clearly left a mark on the judges. Comments from judges included descriptions of the pie as a “poem” and a “come eat me pie” which led to Lydia taking the crown in the best in lamb pie categories.

While there were options to enter into the Fish & Chip Shop Class, Lydia wanted to take a chance on the broader Lamb Pie Class which rendered great success.

Winners at the British Pie Awards 2024

As judges and entrants descended upon Leicestershire’s pork Pie capital last week to scrutinise a whopping 900 entrants, only a few could come out on top. The most notable category winners were:

• Supreme Champion: Minted Wensleydale Lamb & Potato Pie, Middleton-in-Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop Ltd
• Young Piemaker: Ethan O’Hare, WeeCOOK
• Small Producer: Chicken, Leek & Ham Hock Pie, Bowring Butchers
• Newcomer: Martins Wagyu Beef & Ale Pie, Martins

The star-studded judging panel ripped into the pies in each category with Turner’s Pies being extremely successful and taking home wins in categories including Meat & Potato, Vegan and Dessert pie classes.

To see the full list of winders visit the British Pie Awards site.