Melton Mowbray, renowned as the UK’s pie capital, is set to tantalize taste buds with a dual festival celebrating both its iconic pies and a burgeoning spirits scene. This vibrant event promises a delightful weekend for food enthusiasts, featuring competitions, demonstrations, and the unique addition of a new pork pie museum.
Key Takeaways
- Melton Mowbray hosts a combined PieFest and SpiritsFest.
- The event includes competitions for the best pies and opportunities to sample artisan spirits.
- A "Pie Theatre" offers talks, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
- The town now boasts the world’s first pork pie museum.
A Double Dose of Delights
Melton Mowbray’s much-loved PieFest is joining forces with SpiritsFest, creating a weekend-long celebration of culinary excellence. Running from 10:00 to 16:00 BST, the event at the Livestock Market in Scalford Road offers visitors a chance to meet local drinks producers and sample a variety of artisan gin, rum, whisky, and vodka. This collaboration aims to support the growing distillery sector in the region.
The Heart of the Pie
As the undisputed pie capital of the UK, Melton Mowbray will once again host prestigious competitions as part of the British Pie Awards. Categories will span traditional meat pies, vegetarian options, and sweet varieties, all vying for the coveted title of ‘Supreme Pie’. Event organiser Matthew O’Callaghan highlighted the significant British appetite for pies, noting that "The British eat over a billion pounds worth of pies every year."
Exploring Pie Heritage
A dedicated "Pie Theatre" will be a hub of activity, featuring talks and demonstrations that delve into the rich history of pies. For those eager to get hands-on, workshops will provide the opportunity to learn the art of pie-making. This immersive experience allows visitors to connect with the heritage of this beloved British dish.
The World’s First Pork Pie Museum
Adding to its culinary allure, Melton Mowbray is now home to the world’s first pork pie museum. Housed within the Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, this unique attraction educates visitors on the history of the iconic Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. The museum showcases historic artefacts and archive photography, detailing how Mary Dickinson is credited with creating the very first pork pie in the mid-19th century using a traditional wooden dolly and jelly.
A Town Steeped in Food History
Melton Mowbray’s reputation as the "Rural Capital of Food" is further cemented by its strong ties to Stilton cheese production. While the exact origins of Stilton are debated, it is widely believed to have been made in the area around Melton Mowbray since the 18th century. The town also hosts a monthly farmer’s market, ensuring a continuous celebration of local produce.