Renfrewshire butcher falls just short in bid to be crowned World Pie Champion

The team at John Marshall and Sons, based in the town’s High Street, had impressed judges in the qualifying rounds, fending off competition from nearly 100 rival butchers.

Reaching the finals of the prestigious awards was a feather in the cap for the family-run business, which has been in operation for more than a century.

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But, following a busy day of judging by over 80 butchers and bakers, the coveted prize was picked up by The Little Bakery of Dumfries.

Over 200 hopefuls, including some of the team from Renfrewshire, attended the awards ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Westerwood Hotel, in Cumbernauld, as 50 industry experts cast their tastebuds on the delicious delicacies.

TV presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie, who presented The Little Bakery with their award, said: “I have announced the winner for four years in a row now and I know what it means to win, so I am delighted for The Little Bakery and for what the year ahead holds.

Carol Smillie presented the award 

“But for every winner here today, they can be proud and I hope they all see business boom as they all enjoy their well-deserved success.”

The competition aims to highlight that bakers and butchers create high-quality pastry products day in, day out.

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Judging was overseen by Ian Nelson, who ensured only the best pies were recognised and that only the best of the best was crowned world champion.

Ronnie Miles, president of Scottish Bakers, said “Once again we have brought together the best pies and baked goods in the land and today we can really celebrate the achievement of our hard-working butchers and bakers.

“They are all winners in my book. My heartfelt congratulations go to our champion.”