AN INDEPENDENT bakery is continuing to receive national recognition after winning another award last month.
The Rural Pie Co., based on the London Road in Twyford, has been recognised as the Artisan Pie Company of the Year in the United Kingdom at the Prestige Awards for 2021/22.
Amy and Philip Smith, co-owners of the business, collected the award in August at the Gorse Hill hotel in Woking.
“It’s an amazing feeling because we work so hard,” said Mr Smith.
“Myself and Amy both do 100 hours plus each week so it is a really nice feeling when your work is recognised and all the blood, sweat and tears that you put into your own business and your own products. is appreciated in the way it has been.”
The awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.
Shortlisted companies are usually nominated by customers or clients.
The judging panel then bases their decision on areas such as service excellence, quality of the product, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance.
Being put forward by a customer is something that Mr Smith is very proud of.
He said: “As a small independent food business, to know your customers are so fond of what you do that they want to nominate you for an award, you can’t ask for more.”
This isn’t the first time the bakery has been honoured.
Since the store’s launch in 2020, the Rural Pie Co. has collected 12 prizes at the British Pie Awards and last year received the Best Artisan Pie Company in the Greater London Enterprise Awards.
Without giving away the secret ingredient, Mr Smith believes high-quality produce and a passion for the business is what makes them unique.
“We didn’t start the business for profit, we started it out of passion and we continue that method now and always will,” said Mr Smith.
“Everything with our pies, the pastry, the fillings, is 100% made by us as a small team, nothing is outsourced and we’ve never changed the quality.
“I’ve always said to Amy if we have to reduce the quality of our products to stay in business, I’d rather shut the business.”
Looking forward, Rural Pie Co. is preparing to celebrate its second birthday next month.
The event was originally planned for next weekend but the owners decided to postpone until October out of respect for Her Majesty the Queen.
It will now take place on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday October 24.
For more information, visit: ruralpieco.co.uk
