Finalists of The North East Wales ‘Legendary Pie Challenge’ Revealed!

The finalists of the first ‘Legendary Pie Challenge’ have been revealed – with a live cook-off taking place this week to crown the winner. 

Over the past month 16 eateries across Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire have been competing against each other with their entries for the North East Wales Legendary Pie Challenge.

Talented chefs across North East Wales were invited to enter either a sweet or savoury pie that told a story about the region or the business. Each of the pies had to be made from ingredients sourced wholly from within Wales.

The pies have been able to buy for the past four weeks and each eatery has been subject to mystery shoppers who had the tough task of sampling some of the pies on offer.

After a tough and delicious competition the three finalists chosen to compete in a live cook-off at Coleg Cambria’s Rendezvouz Restaurant on Friday 24th February are:

The Mulberry Inn, Llwynmawr – Short Pastry Pie crust filled with slowed cooked lamb simmered in Mead with apricots
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The Alyn, Rossett – Turkey, Welsh cured bacon pie with Cabbage, bacon & potato hash with roasted carrots
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Bellis Brothers Garden Centre and Restaurant, Holt – ‘Strawberry Dodger’s Pork Pie with a Welsh mead and Caramelised onion chutney’ made with local pork, homegrown onions and a Welsh mead

After receiving two mystery shops, Allan Leck General Manager at the Mulberry Inn said: “May this be the beginnings of yet another legend.

“I think we’ve created a magnificent dish worthy of noblemen in 1165 and the ingredients that our chef uses will always be a winning feast in this beautiful Welsh valley.”

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The three finalists will face some tough judging on Friday afternoon, with local pie maker and acclaimed chef, Robert Didier from Wrexham based Orchard Pigs, taking on the coveted role of Head Judge.
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The winning pie will then be available throughout the forthcoming St David’s Day weekend in Wrexham on 3-5th March!

The live cook-off is open to all local tourism businesses and cafes / restaurants – but places are limited and must be booked via emailing [email protected]

Featured image – The Alyn’s entry in the Legendary Pie Challenge