At DukesHill, we take great pride in celebrating the remarkable artisans whose passion and dedication shine through in every product we share with you. We recently had the pleasure of talking with Neil Broomfield, Director and Pie Maker at the celebrated Great North Pie Co. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s most respected pie makers, Neil shared with us the journey of Great North Pie Co and the artistry that lies at the heart of their craft.
Can you tell us how Great North Pie Co began and what inspired you to start making pies?
“We first started making pies at home, selling at local farmers markets. We did this for years before learning and building up the trade. I’d always loved food and had worked in kitchens which were a very high standard, I wanted to take that idea of quality into making pies.”
What sets your artisan pies apart?
“We use all-butter pastry and source the best ingredients. We focus on every detail and fill the pies with lots of meat, not just gravy. Consistency and quality are everything, and we always aim to provide excellent service.”
How do you go about developing new pie flavours and seasonal specials?
“We’re always looking at new ideas and specials, but the classics always work best. On something so traditional as a pie, it’s good to keep the focus on the classics.”
Where do you source your ingredients, and how important is local sourcing to you?
“We always try to source locally, but it has to be the best quality. We love supporting and promoting other producers we work with — we’re all in it together.”
How are your pies made today?
“Has hardly changed since the early days at home. We still make all our own pastry, work in small batches for the fillings, and hand-press every pie.”
What’s the most popular pie on your menu – and why do you think it’s such a favourite?
“It’s always the beef. We butcher our own meat and braise it overnight at a low temperature for 14 hours. It’s really rich and has lots of depth.”
What awards have you won?
“We won the North West Fine Food Producer of the Year back in 2011, which helped us go full-time. Since then, we’ve won Best Pie in Britain at the British Pie Awards, an award from BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming, and most recently, Best Independent Food Producer at the 2024 Manchester Food and Drink Awards. We put a lot of effort into everything to make our pies the best they can be.”
What’s your favourite pie that you’ve ever made – and how do you like to eat it?
“My favourite has always been the Lancashire cheese and onion pie. We don’t use potato or béchamel, just cheese and onion. It’s best warm with some brown sauce on the side.”
What keeps you motivated?
“Good feedback is always encouraging. The awards and repeat customers mean a lot to us.”
We are delighted to count Great North Pie Co among the DukesHill family of producers, and we know their pies will be every bit as memorable on your table as they are on ours. If you’ve yet to discover them, we can wholeheartedly recommend indulging in their exquisite creations.
