A popular Pocklington piemaker has won again.

Dan Leaver of Dan’s Pies came top in the best ready to eat product in the Deliciously Yorkshire Awards for his chicken and chestnut mushroom pie.

Dan, 33, has been making pies for more than ten years at his former pub, the Wolds Inn. But when the pandemic happened in 2020, the pub was closed and he made them from home.

He sold the pub in February 2023 and began making pies full-time from a small bakery in Pocklington.

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Dan told the Press: “My Pies are special because they are all hand made in small batches using local produce. All our meat is from M & K Butchers on Bishopthorpe Road, York. We make all our buttery shortcrust pastry, 

“Our Chicken & Chestnut Mushroom pies are made with tender chicken breast cooked with fresh chestnut mushrooms and thyme in a Velouté sauce.”

Deliciously Yorkshire judges said of Dan’s award-winning pie: “Simple, well-executed products are always loved by the Taste Award judges, and this year’s winning Ready to Eat product was a perfect example of just that.”

“This pie smells great and looks so appealing. The pastry is buttery, crisp and delicious with a succulent, generous filling. The chicken has retained its delicious moisture, alongside the umami rich chestnut mushrooms. We just loved it!”

A tasting panel also described the winning Chicken & Chestnut Mushroom Pie as “perfection”. 

Handmade using locally sourced meat and fillings, Dan’s Pie Company sells its artisan range at markets and through independent retailers throughout the region.

The weekly markets include Pocklington on Tuesdays, Helmsley and Easingwold on Fridays. Dan is also a common sight at Little Bird and other markets across Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, Dan’s Pie Company received a highly coveted silver award at the British Pie Awards for its chicken and leek pie and scored the bronze award for its steak and ale pie.

Dan added: “To win any award is a great achievement but to be selected in a local Yorkshire awards is a special feeling.”

For anyone dying to get their hands on Dan’s pies, they’re available to order through his website for collection or delivery, at Pocklington Market every Tuesday, or at various local markets (updated as they happen through his Facebook page).