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‘The hog roast is staying’ - pie shop owner hits back at claims street food could upset vegans and children

Norfolk Pie Man's hog roast in Sheringham has sparked a row over whether the roasted meat is distressing or delicious. Photo: Alan Palmer Archant

A north Norfolk pie shop has defended itself after a row over their hog roast stand saw non-meat eaters claim the food on sale was offensive.

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The Norfolk Pie Man shop, in Sheringham, which offers a hog roast cooked outside their Station Road premises, has faced criticism over the presentation of the meat, which shows the animal's full carcass with the head still intact and visible, with some arguing "children don't want to be looking at that".

But the business, at the former Claws and Paws pet shop site, has also seen satisfied customers leap to their defence, and describe the food as "lush", and "delicious".

Dawn Thompson said: "Small children probably don't want to be looking at that thing.

"Not everyone likes to see a dead animal on display every Saturday in town."

Anthony and Bridget Mattocks have opened Norfolk's Pie Man in Sheringham. Picture: christaylorphoto.co.uk Anthony and Bridget Mattocks have opened Norfolk's Pie Man in Sheringham. Picture: christaylorphoto.co.uk

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While Stuart Facey asked: "Why don't they do this round the back of their premises?"

Rusty McTweed added: "That's not pleasant. I hope my friend who works in Sheringham and is a vegan didn't have to see that."

And Ricky Ossitt asked: "Was there a vegan option? This image could be distressing to some."

However, Rebecca Booty defended the shop, and said: "If you walk past the butchers you'll see hanging pheasants. If you don't like it then look away."

And Belinda Radley added: "My kids were taught from a very young age where food comes from.

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"Too many food fads are putting our health and choices at risk.

"If you don't like it you're not forced to eat it."

Ruby Myers said: "Looks delicious. Must try one of these famous hog roasts."

And Jamie Ford described the shop's roast meat as "lush".

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Shop owner Bridget Mattocks hit back at the criticisms.

"We've been on the market for 13-14 years and no one said anything," she said.

"What people said could have an effect on us. We have friends who are vegetarian and vegan and they don't say anything.

"Without our hog roast we'd have to shut the shop - we don't make enough money otherwise.

"We're sorry that it does offend some people but the majority of people do like it and it is staying, or we'd be one more empty shop."

Mrs Mattocks added that the pigs used in the roasts were well cared for and not kept in cages.

She also said they had cleaned and de-greased the pavement outside the shop, following some critical comments.

- What do you think about the hog roast? Let us know.- What do you think about the hog roast? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.