Ramsbottom says – the Pies have it!

Hungry families couldn’t wait to sink their teeth into the very first Ramsbottom Pie Festival.

Sunday’s (7 July) event was so popular that stalls were running out of their tasty and locally produced quality wares before the day was out.

Ramsbottom is known for its foodie attractions, and this festival – held at St Paul’s Gardens – boasted a range of music, games and entertainment as well as the grub.

* The winner of the pie-eating competition was Steve Houghton-Burnett, who scoffed an incredible eight of Cissy Green’s ‘Screaming Chickpea’ pies in just five minutes and earned himself a T-shirt

* Winner of the Best Pie competition was Alma Sanders with her ‘Rammy Apple Pie". Judge and award-winning chef Chris Yates, of the Shoulder of Mutton, said it was the best pie he had ever tasted, executed very well, with delicate pastry and a divine filling. Chris said: "I was thrilled to be asked to judge the pie competition. The standard of baking was very high, from home cooks to restaurant level. As a chef it has been a thoroughly enjoyable and well organised event that certainly keeps Ramsbottom on the culinary map as of one of the best towns to visit for good quality food and service."

Alma won a night’s stay for two and a three-course meal at the Old Mill. Manager Vicky McLeod said: "We are proud to be involved in such a community event. The pie festival was a great success and we look forward to sponsoring the event again in the future."

* Runners-up in the Best Pie competition:

 i) Savoury category - Adrienne Stocks, with a ‘Caramelised Four Cheese and Onion Pie’

 ii) Junior category - James Hilton (aged 9) with a ‘Baked Egg Custard with Home Grown Rhubarb’.

 ii) Restaurant category - The Oaks public house and ‘Joe’s Special’

They all won cooking paraphernalia courtesy of Eclectic Housewares of Ramsbottom.

* Winner of the Guess the weight of the Pie competition: Amanda Hopcroft, who won a bottle of wine courtesy of The Vineyard, Ramsbottom. The pie weighed 2kg 425grams.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “What a great event this was, and not just because I had the privilege of judging the pie competition! Families had a great time, and the pie stalls were selling out everywhere. People have told us they can’t wait for next year and, who knows, it might even become as big and popular at Ramsbottom’s annual chocolate festival.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 10 July 2013.

Picture attached: Steve Houghton-Burnett, winner of the pie-eating contest.

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