Showing posts with label pies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pies. Show all posts

Wednesday 25 September 2024

Why Greggs is King of the High Street: A British Bakery Icon

When it comes to high street staples, few names are as synonymous with British life as Greggs. 

Whether you're grabbing a steak bake on your lunch break, picking up a sausage roll for a snack, or treating yourself to one of their beloved jam doughnuts, Greggs has firmly established itself as a bakery that appeals to the masses. 

But what is it about Greggs that makes it the undisputed king of the high street? In this blog post, we’ll explore why this iconic bakery chain has become a national favourite and why it remains at the top of its game.

1. Affordable Comfort Food for All

One of the biggest draws of Greggs is its affordability. In a time where eating out can often feel like a luxury, Greggs continues to offer quality food at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re grabbing a cheese and onion pasty or indulging in a chicken bake, you can always count on Greggs for a filling and tasty option that’s easy on the wallet.

Greggs’ ability to keep prices low without compromising on flavour or portion sizes has cemented its place as the go-to bakery for people of all walks of life. From busy professionals to students and retirees, Greggs serves up a menu that’s as varied as its customer base – all at prices that keep everyone coming back.

2. Convenient and Quick

With hundreds of locations across the UK, Greggs has become a beacon of convenience for people on the move. Whether you’re commuting to work, shopping on the high street, or simply in need of a quick bite, you’re never too far from a Greggs. Their locations are carefully selected, often found in busy town centres, transport hubs, and high streets, ensuring they’re always close at hand when you need them.

The service is designed to be fast and efficient, meaning you can pop in, grab your favourite treat, and be on your way in minutes. In today’s fast-paced world, Greggs’ ability to provide quick, hot, and satisfying food makes it the perfect choice for those short on time but big on appetite.

3. The Iconic Greggs Sausage Roll

If there’s one item that has become a symbol of Greggs’ dominance on the high street, it’s the Greggs sausage roll. This flaky, golden pastry filled with seasoned sausage meat has achieved near-legendary status across the UK. Beloved for its simple yet satisfying flavour, it’s a quintessential British snack that’s easy to eat on the go.

The sausage roll is so iconic that when Greggs launched their vegan sausage roll in 2019, it made headlines. The introduction of the plant-based version was not only a massive hit with vegans and vegetarians, but it also appealed to meat-eaters, thanks to its surprisingly similar taste and texture. This innovation shows how Greggs continues to evolve with the times while staying true to its roots.

4. Something for Everyone

Greggs has long been known for its traditional bakery items, but over the years, it has expanded its menu to cater to a wider range of tastes and dietary needs. From vegan and vegetarian options to healthier choices like salads and soups, Greggs ensures there’s something for everyone. Their Balanced Choice range offers lighter options that are under 400 calories, appealing to those looking for a more nutritious alternative.

Whether you’re after a warm pasty, a freshly made sandwich, or a sweet treat like a Belgian bun, Greggs has a diverse menu that ensures nobody leaves empty-handed. This variety, combined with their inclusive pricing, means Greggs caters to a broad spectrum of customers – from schoolchildren to business executives.

5. Constant Innovation

Part of what makes Greggs such a strong high street presence is its willingness to innovate. While many chains stick rigidly to their established menus, Greggs is constantly adapting to meet the changing tastes and needs of its customers. This can be seen in their expansion into vegan products, with the vegan steak bake and the vegan sausage roll both making a huge splash.

Greggs has also embraced seasonal and limited-edition items, like their festive bake, which has become a much-anticipated part of the Christmas season. By keeping things fresh and exciting, Greggs ensures that even regular customers always have something new to try. Their mince pies are absolutely delicious, too and a real Christmas treat!

6. The Greggs App and Loyalty Scheme

Greggs has also embraced technology to enhance the customer experience. With the launch of the Greggs App, customers can now order ahead, skip queues, and even earn rewards through their Greggs Rewards loyalty programme. Whether you’re a daily visitor or a more occasional treat-seeker, the app makes it even easier to enjoy Greggs on the go.

The loyalty scheme is simple but effective: buy nine products like coffees, sweet treats, or sandwiches, and your tenth one is free. This system rewards regular customers and adds an extra incentive to choose Greggs over competitors.

7. A Community Staple

Greggs is more than just a bakery; it’s a part of the fabric of British communities. With a long-standing commitment to charity and social responsibility, Greggs works to give back to the areas it serves. Their Greggs Foundation supports breakfast clubs in schools, ensuring that thousands of children start their day with a proper meal.

In addition, Greggs often works with local charities and foodbanks, distributing surplus food to those in need. This sense of social responsibility, paired with their welcoming atmosphere, makes Greggs more than just a business – it’s a valued part of the community.

8. Quality You Can Trust

At the heart of Greggs’ success is their commitment to quality. Despite their low prices, Greggs never compromises on the quality of their ingredients. Their baked goods are always fresh, and their coffee is sustainably sourced, offering a quality product at a price that beats most high street coffee chains.

Greggs also prides itself on being transparent about where its ingredients come from. Their commitment to using British-sourced meat, free-range eggs, and sustainable fish ensures that customers can enjoy their food with peace of mind.

9. Nostalgia and Comfort

For many Brits, Greggs is a place filled with fond memories. Whether it’s grabbing a sausage roll after school, stopping in for a hot pasty on a cold day, or treating yourself to a cream cake on a Friday afternoon, Greggs has a special place in the hearts of millions. Its consistent quality and familiar menu offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort that few other chains can replicate.

Conclusion

Greggs is the undisputed king of the high street, and for good reason. With its affordable, delicious food, convenient locations, and constant innovation, Greggs has become more than just a bakery – it’s a British institution. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or indulging in a sausage roll after a long day, Greggs is always there to provide a tasty, satisfying experience that doesn’t break the bank.

In a world of ever-changing food trends and fast food fads, Greggs stands tall as a beacon of consistency, quality, and community spirit. Long live the king of the high street!

https://www.greggs.co.uk

Sunday 25 August 2024

Review of Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis: A Nostalgic Culinary Journey. Includes video presentation

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the comforting smells of a warm kitchen or curious about the culinary quirks of the past, then Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis is a book that will speak to your soul. 

Hollis, known for his captivating TikTok and YouTube videos, where he recreates vintage recipes, has taken his love for retro baking and compiled it into a delightful cookbook that’s as much about history as it is about food.

 As a self-professed lover of all things vintage, Hollis brings to life recipes spanning from the 1900s to the 1980s, each with its own story to tell.

A Journey Through Time and Taste

What makes Baking Yesteryear stand out is its blend of history and baking. Each chapter is dedicated to a different decade, beginning in the 1900s and culminating in the 1980s. Hollis offers an insightful look into the evolution of baking, exploring how socio-economic changes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts influenced the sweet treats of each era. 

From the cost saving of the Great Depression, to the simplicity of wartime ration recipes to the indulgence of 1980s extravagance, this book is a fascinating exploration of how the world of baking has changed over the decades.

Recipe Selection: A Mix of the Curious and the Classic

The recipes in Baking Yesteryear are a true reflection of the times they come from. Some are familiar favourites, like the 1950s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, while others are charming oddities, such as the 1920s Tomato Soup Cake. 

Hollis doesn’t shy away from the more unusual recipes, encouraging readers to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Each recipe is carefully selected to represent its era, offering a glimpse into the tastes and trends of the past.

Hollis’s engaging commentary adds another layer of enjoyment to the book. His humour and enthusiasm are infectious, making even the most unusual recipes feel approachable. He provides helpful tips and tricks for modern bakers attempting these vintage creations, ensuring that the recipes are accessible to all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find Hollis’s guidance invaluable.

A Feast for the Eyes

Baking Yesteryear is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a beautifully designed book that pays homage to the aesthetics of the past. The vintage-inspired photography and illustrations give the book a nostalgic feel, while the layout is clean and easy to navigate. Each recipe is accompanied by a photograph, so you know exactly what you’re aiming for, and the retro styling makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. (We direct readers to check out Dylan's vintage car, plus remember his love of classic tube radios as a child in Bermuda, his birthplace.)

Practicality in a Modern Kitchen

One might wonder whether these vintage recipes can stand the test of time in today’s kitchens. The answer is a resounding yes. While some ingredients might be less common now, Hollis provides alternatives and modern measurements to make the recipes more accessible. He’s also careful to note where recipes can be adapted for dietary preferences or restrictions, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of the past.

A Must-Have for Baking Enthusiasts

Baking Yesteryear is more than just a cookbook; it’s a celebration of the history, culture, and joy of baking. B. Dylan Hollis has crafted a work that is both informative and entertaining, making it a must-have for anyone who loves to bake or has an interest in culinary history. Whether you’re looking to try your hand at a Depression-era cake or want to recreate the sweet treats your grandparents enjoyed, this book offers something for everyone.

In a world where modern recipes can sometimes feel a bit too perfect and predictable, Baking Yesteryear is a breath of fresh air—or rather, a whiff of something wonderfully nostalgic. It reminds us that baking is not just about the end result but about the stories, the history, and the love that go into each and every bake. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey through time, Baking Yesteryear is the perfect companion.

It's published by DK at £20.00, although we saved a few quid by buying from Amazon at £14.09p.

We'll let you know how we get on with the recipes, we might even include video reports so please watch out for them. They will be published on our YouTube channel and shared here.

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Higgidy has the perfect range of products for your foray into Veganuary

Higgidy, the veg led everyday food brand and official sponsor of Veganuary, has the perfect range of products to help you enjoy your mission to go meat-free in 2024.

Over 75% of Higgidy’s tasty pies, quiches, rolls and muffins are veggie or vegan friendly and their plant based, planet-friendly range focuses on delicious and innovative flavours, top quality ingredients and real veg (there are no fake meat substitutes anywhere in sight).

Higgidy’s vegan range includes new Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices - butternut squash puff pastry packed with sweet potato and cauliflower, and bite-sized Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Vegan Muffins - with pine nuts and basil, made using oat milk, basil oil and butternut squash puree to create a deliciously moist muffin texture.

Higgidy’s tasty vegan range also includes a first to market Spinach & Roasted Tomato Sharing Quiche, made using oat and coconut milk, a Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Little Quiche, Vegetable Samosa Vegan Rolls, Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls and Mini No-Pork Pies which are packed with veggie and red lentils.

Stockists and RRP’s are as follows:

Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices – 160g, RRP £3.85, available at Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco

Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Vegan Muffins – 160g, RRP £3.85, available from Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose and Abel & Cole

Spinach & Roasted Tomato Vegan Quiche -380g, RRP £4.85, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Little Quiche – 155g, RRP £3.20, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco and Abel & Cole

Vegetable Samosa Vegan Rolls – 160g, RRP £3.30, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls – 160g, RRP £3.30, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Mini No-Pork Pies – 176g, RRP 176g, available from Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco

To learn more please visit https://www.higgidy.co.uk.

Tuesday 25 April 2023

Fit for the King! Holland's Pies Create Coronation Pie

Hear, hear – Holland’s Pies has created a pie to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation and it’s already dubbed the ‘Crown Jewel’ of pastry creations.

The recipe for this one-off Coronation Pie was inspired by the classic chicken dishes created for previous Royal celebrations, begging as far back as King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935.

The original Coronation Chicken recipe consisted of chicken dressed in mayonnaise and curry powder, before it was replaced by a now traditional Coronation Chicken recipe,  specially created for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 by Rosemary Hume of Le Cordon Bleu London.

The recipe that the nation has come to love featured a quite remarkable set of ingredients at the time, with many only just becoming available as parts of the UK were still under post-war rationing.

Holland’s special pie features an updated list of ingredients to reflect the tastes of the nation and its new monarch. 

Taking advice from a former Royal Chef to the King, Holland’s Pies has followed a similar pattern but with the addition of ingredients inspired by His Majesty’s palate. Alongside chicken, apricots, raisins, and the tasty blend of herbs and spices included within the traditional recipe, the Coronation Pie also includes dried prunes – a nod to King Charles III favourite fruit, plums – and brings all the flavours together in a unique Korma-style curry sauce, said to be the UK’s new favourite curry.

This special creation will be made in Holland’s well-loved Family Pie, perfect for four to share. But with only six pies being cooked up in time for the coronation, pastry fans in the North West are being invited to enter a competition to win one to enjoy whilst watching the King’s coronation on May 6!

To enter, all pie lovers need to do is head to Holland’s Pies’ Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and follow the instructions. The competition is live until 28th April 2023, with the freshly-baked Coronation Pies being delivered in time to give the lucky winners the ultimate street party bragging rights.

Leanne Holcroft, Brand Manager for Holland’s Pies, said: “Everyone knows Brits love an occasion to get together and share a delicious pie, so we’re excited to be giving our fans the chance to enjoy a creation fit for King Charles himself on the coronation weekend.

“King Charles III is our new monarch, and we are sure our special Coronation Pie will more than measure up to even the most discerning of pastry lover!”

Holland’s Pies is the one of the North West’s best-loved brands, with its range of proper tasty pies and puddings including bestselling flavours Potato & Meat, Steak & Kidney Puddings, Minced Beef & Onion and Vegetarian Society approved, Mature Cheddar Cheese & Onion in both chilled and frozen. To find your nearest stockist, visit it’s Pie Finder at: www.hollandspies.co.uk/PieFinder/.

Wednesday 7 March 2012

British Pie Awards: Calling All Pie Makers

The organisers of the British Pie Awards are reminding all professional pie makers to submit their entries to the fourth annual awards as the deadline fast approaches (13th April 2012). Butchers and bakers can enter their pies in 18 different classes with the chance to win one of the top accolades in the pie making industry.

The awards are organised by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association and take place on Wednesday 25th April 2012 at St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray. The contest is judged by a panel of over 70 pie experts, food writers and celebrity chefs led by Andrew Chisholm. Xanthe Clay, Charles Champion and many more knowledgeable foodies have already confirmed their attendance as judges.

Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association comments: “We organise the British Pie Awards to celebrate one of Britain’s most recognised food products. This event offers a great opportunity for pie makers from across the country to demonstrate their finest produce. The standard of entries is always very high.

“To mark this important year, when the world will be looking in the direction of the UK for the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, we have introduced new categories including the Celebration Pie class, for which pie makers can stretch their creative skills to design special commemorative products.

“We are also grateful for the support of our sponsors and this year we can confirm that Hospitality and Catering News is sponsoring the ‘Football Pie’ class; Sturgess of Leicester, the approved Jaguar dealer is sponsoring the ‘Beef and Ale Pie’ class; the Bramley Apple Campaign is supporting the ‘Bramley Apple’ category; and Nelsons for Cartons & Packaging are supporting the ‘Chicken and any Flavour’ class.”

To download an application form and for further information please visit www.britishpieawards.co.uk or contact Sarah Clothier on 0116 2344523 or sarah.clothier@mmppa.co.uk

Monday 14 November 2011

New range of delicious British pies from Walkers

A brand new line of quintessentially British pies is being launched into stores this month (November) by Walkers. This traditional brand, known for its authentically British pies, is undertaking a complete re-launch and branching into the hot pie sector. The new hot pie range is designed to appeal to those looking for premium produce that stands out from the crowd.

The new range of Walkers pies includes three different varieties of two-pie packs; Supreme Steak & Stilton, Sumptuous Steak and Classic Chicken, White Wine & Mushroom (2 x 250g) and a single Glorious Chicken & Chorizo Pie (250g). These mouth-watering, impeccably flavoured pies are perfect for foodies seeking high quality wholesome British produce.

The year 2012 will bring a host of prestigious events to the UK and what better way to celebrate than with a perfectly British pie. Embracing the brand’s love for all things British, the packaging comprises a bright and bold Union Jack design. These pies are ideal for dinner parties with a difference and as a hot gastronomic treat for friends and family.
Walkers uses only the best quality British meats in its pies. Superbly flavoured with herbs, spices and complementary ingredients such as Stilton and Chorizo, each pie is skilfully encased in a rich and crisp short crust pastry.

With a distinct heritage in pie making, Walkers was born from Walker & Son, founded in Leicester in 1824. The brand has grown over the years and as well as launching the new hot-pie range, now also offers the re-branded Walkers Pork Pie, which will also include the new Union Jack themed branding.

The hot pie range is available from 14th November in Waitrose supermarkets. The single pie retails at the RRP of £2.79 and the two-pack pies at £4.99.

Walkers also has a cold pie range, consisting of The Picnic Pie (148g), The Crispy Classic (300g) and The Original (440g) available in The Co-operative, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose and retailing between £0.95 - £2.99 respectively.

For more information on Walkers and its range of pies, please see www.walkerspies.co.uk