Two Buckinghamshire-based pie shops have been named among the best in the country by a prestigious awarding body.

Paul’s Proper British Pies and The Bell Hotel and Pie Shop, both based in Buckingham, took home top prizes at this year’s British Pie Awards, held on Wednesday, March 6.

Paul’s Proper British Pies, an independent business founded by Paul Capener during the COVID-19 pandemic and based in Thornborough, was awarded best Pub Pie for its Steak and Stilton bake at the industry-respected ceremony.

Meanwhile, The Bell Hotel and Pie Shop, based in Winslow, took home two awards – with its Pheasant, Venison, Bacon, Black Pudding and Quail Egg Pie winning best Game and Specialty Meat Pie and its Festive Christmas bake being named Hot-Eating Savoury Pie.

Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of the Mowbray Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: “This year’s awards have seen a wonderful celebration of the nation’s love of pies; the atmosphere has been amazing, and the level of creativity is off the scale.

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“On Wednesday, we got to try the phenomenal pie entries, and Paul’s Proper British Pies and The Bell Hotel and Pie Shop triumphed over incredibly tough competition in their respective categories.

“These awards celebrate the skill and ingenuity of British pie makers across the UK, and I’d like to congratulate them as worthy winners.”

The British Pie Awards is in its 16th year of assigning a panel of 147 judges – including Cordon Bleu chefs and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant – to sample and select the nation’s most delectable pies, with categories ranging from the traditionally British to the wacky and experimental.

Which is your favourite pie shop in Buckinghamshire?