Royal Borough family business becomes 'International Pie Champion'

20 May 2003

One of the Royal Borough's oldest businesses has won the right to call itself 'International Pie Champion'. Lidgate's Butchers scooped the Best Pastry prize in the prestigious international SVO Freshfood 2003 competition this month.

Lidgate's saw off stiff competition from entries as far away as Canada and Japan before securing the title.

The competition, held in Holland every three years, recognised and rewarded the outstanding Chicken, Ham and Mushroom Pies Lidgate's had on offer. It is the first time the family business has won a best in category prize despite receiving many previous accolades.

David Lidgate claims their success comes thanks to high quality meat, courtesy of Highgrove, The Prince of Wales's Gloucestershire estate, and a top-secret family recipe.

Councillor Merrick Cockell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, was at Lidgate's in the heart of Holland Park yesterday, to present David Lidgate, his son Danny and their staff with the award.

"Pies are a great English tradition and I'm delighted to see that it is a Royal Borough business setting the standard, not just in England, but internationally. Melton Mowbray may have its pork pies but now Holland Park is renowned for its chicken, ham and mushroom," said Merrick Cockell.

Notes for EditorsPhotographs available. Contact Press and Public Relations.