Ayrshire butchers crowned Scottish Traditional Steak Pie champions
It's the second time Prime Cuts have won the award
An Ayrshire butcher has been crowned Scottish Traditional Steak Pie Champions for the second time, in the first national competition since the pandemic.
Prime Cuts Butchers, who won in 2019, are celebrating retaining their title four years on.
Owner, John Kennedy, said it had been “absolutely thrilling” to win the coveted Diamond status the first time, but to hold on to it had left his team “speechless”.
He said: “These two evaluation competitions are the only two we have ever entered our traditional steak pies for.
"Absolutely thrilled"
“Winning in 2019 through our Coylton shop cemented our faith in what we saw as an outstanding product and to retain the top spot with the Ayr team in 2023 puts it beyond all doubt – judges agree that Prime Cuts make the best steak pie in Scotland.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to take the title again – everyone is overjoyed.”
John explained that the recipe first championed by Prime Cuts when his father opened their first shop in 1983 remains the same to this day, and while he was happy to share some of the winning recipe’s secrets, he keeps others closely guarded.
“We use 100 percent cubed prime Aberdeen Angus Cross shoulder steak and delicious gravy topped with an uncooked puff pastry lid.
"Unlike many butchers, we sell our steak pies unfired as the first baking of the pastry is always the best.”
What goes into the delicious gravy, however, remains a secret.
“Quality is the key,” he said. “Only use the best to create the best.”
Prime Cuts make and sell around 1,000 traditional teak pies every week, ranging from full family sized to individual versions.
As we head towards the festive period, the team are bracing for a run on the favourite.
John said: “Steak pies are a traditional Scottish favourite- especially at New Year- and a key part of our business.
“Retaining the Scottish title will make our pies even more in demand, so a busy time lies ahead for our butchers.”
Nearly 100 traditional steak pies were forwarded to the awards from butchers across Scotland.
"Consistently high quality winner"
Executive manager of Scottish Craft Butchers, Gordon King, said: “We always have a strong entry for this category as every butcher wants to be the champion in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.
““The fact that Prime Cuts retained the title with a different set of judges after a four-year break means they are producing something really special – a consistently high-quality winner.”
Judges agreed Prime Cuts, Ayr, submitted “an excellent pie”, awarding it full marks for smell, texture and taste.
The butcher was also named South West Scotland regional champions, before going on to claim the national title.