A vegan pie has scooped the top prize at the British Pie Awards for the first time ever, and despite being branded “outstanding” by the judges, a leading chef is calling the award a “disgrace”.

This year saw the British Pie Awards introduce a Vegan Pie class for the first time ever, and it’s just scooped the top prize beating over 886 entries from pie makers, bakers and butchers from all over the country.

The curried sweet potato and butternut squash made by Jon Thorner’s butchers in Somerset was picked as Supreme Champion at the British Pie Awards held in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire and was described by the award organisers as “well deserving of the accolade”.

According to owner Mr Thorner, the company had been making meat pies for more than a decade before branching out “in an effort to make our pies more accessible”.

“We’re so thrilled at the level of success our vegan pie has had,” he said.

‘Outstanding’

Speaking about the decision to award the vegan pie with the highest award, Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the British Pie Awards, said: “This year’s supreme champion was outstanding and well deserving of the accolade. From its very appearance on the judging tray, you knew it was going to do well and it didn’t disappoint when it was opened and tasted.

“This pie isn’t just for vegans, it’s a pie for everybody. With this award, we can truly say that veganism is now entering the mainstream of British food.”