Penrith based, Cranstons has scooped a prestigious national award for its Pork & Apple Pie at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London last week.
One of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Cumbrian butcher, won the ‘Cold Eating Pie‘ category, sponsored by Scobie & Junor, for its Pork & Apple Pie, in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burger, Home-Cured Bacon, BBQ Product and Best Butchers Steak.
Products are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by a panel of independent industry judges, with all Gold products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award. The coveted Diamond Award was presented to Cranston’s by Dr Carrie Ruxton, one of the UK’s most respected voices in nutrition, public health messaging and evidence-based food communication.
Cranston’s Pork & Apple Pie achieved an exceptional 65 out of a possible 70 points and was described by judges as having ‘outstanding flavour’.
The butcher also received a further SIX Gold Awards - the highest possible rating from the Guild - for its Locally-farmed Ribeye, Pastrami, Porchetta, Dry-Cured Back Bacon, Dry-cured Streaky Bacon and Korean Sausage.
As part of this year’s Q Guild Awards, rising talent was also recognised through the Young Butcher of the Year category. Cranstons’ Lewis Irving was shortlisted for the award, which is designed to recognise and reward the UK’s up and coming butchers who represent the very future of the industry.
Jane Silburn from Cranstons said: “Our Pork & Apple Pie is a recipe we’ve been making for decades. It’s our traditional pork, hand-topped with brown sugar and apples and it’s become a much-loved product with our customers. We’re absolutely thrilled that it’s been recognised by the Q Guild, it’s a true testament to the skill and dedication of our Pie Makers.”
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: “The standard of entries this year was incredibly high, which makes Cranston’s achievement all the more impressive. To be named best in class in our Cold Eating Pie category and take home six additional Gold awards is a fantastic result. The success is a real testament to the quality and consistency of their products and reflects the innovation and excellence driving the craft butchery sector forward.”
A family run butchers for more than 100 years, Cranstons has four food halls in the region along with two shops in Penrith and Hexham. Cranstons prides itself on its long-standing relationships with local farmers and have full control from field to counter. www.cranstons.net.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
