A WOKINGHAM landlady is celebrating after her unique recipe received an accolade in a national competition.
Lili Collier and chef Sereen Fellani from the Broad Street Tavern in the town centre entered a pie-making contest organised by brewery owner Wadworth.
Their entry, called Cheeky Blinder, was one of 38 entries from landlords and ladies across the country.
The unique recipe fused ox cheek with curry sauce, potatoes, peas, green and red peppers, onions, chillies and spices. It is served with a puff pastry lid, chips and peas.
As part of the pub’s entry, they had to submit recipes with allergen information, as well as a cost breakdown.
Then, The Broad Street Tavern team promoted their pies to customers who gave feedback on the dishes through an online link. More than 700 votes were cast and this feedback was then used to whittle down the competition to the final six.
Seven judges, including Wadworth’s head of managed houses Rupert Bagnall, then tasted the pies and judged them on presentation, quality of pastry, quality of filling, strength of flavours, quality and innovation, value for money and standard of service.
Sadly, Lili and Sereen’s creation just missed out on first place, which was a Pork, Chorizo and Sunblush pie. It was sold across Wadworth pubs from Monday to mark National Pie Week.
A delighted Lili said: “We are really proud to have been chosen as a finalist and to be representing Broad Street Tavern in Wadworth’s 12th annual pie competition. Congratulations to the other finalists and overall winner.”
Judge Mr Bagnell said: “A terrific diverse range of pies made the finals this year, with flavours from warm spice to superfoods, making the judging both incredibly close and difficult.”
Sponsors of the contest were Essential Cuisine and Walter Rose and Sons, and the company producing the winning pie is Chunks of Devon.
