Ye Olde Pie Shoppe, Melton Mowbray

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Ye Olde Pie Shoppe in Melton Mowbray, officially known as Dickinson & Morris, is a historic bakery that epitomizes the town’s deep-rooted association with the Melton Mowbray pork pie. Established in 1851, it is the oldest remaining bakery producing authentic Melton Mowbray pork pies, a delicacy that has become synonymous with the town. The shop, located on Nottingham Street, exudes old-world charm with its traditional storefront and cosy interior, where visitors can watch the pies being made by hand using the same techniques perfected over centuries.

The Melton Mowbray pork pie is unique for its hand-formed, bow-shaped crust and the use of uncured pork, giving it a distinctive grey colour when cooked. The pastry is hot-water crust, which forms a firm, golden-brown exterior. Unlike other pork pies, these are baked free-standing, allowing the sides to bow outward, creating the iconic shape. The pies are filled with a rich mixture of coarsely chopped pork and seasoned with pepper, encased in a thick layer of jelly, adding to their distinctive taste and texture.

The town’s association with pork pies dates back to the late 18th century when they were originally made by local farmers and wives as a way to preserve meat. The pies gained popularity among fox hunters, who took them on hunts as a convenient and hearty meal. By the 19th century, Melton Mowbray had become famous for its pork pies, with several bakeries in the town producing them.

Today, Melton Mowbray’s reputation as the home of the pork pie is protected by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, ensuring that only pies made within a specific region around the town can be labelled as Melton Mowbray pork pies. Ye Olde Pie Shoppe remains a must-visit for those seeking to experience this delicious slice of English culinary heritage.