British Pie Week is an annual celebration, held in the first full week of March, dedicated to the nation’s love of pies! In 2026, it takes place from Monday 2nd March to Sunday 8th March.
The celebration began in 2007 and was originally a marketing push from Jus-Rol pastry, but it has grown into a much-loved tradition. People are encouraged to eat, make, and share pies of all types – both savoury and sweet, from old favourites like steak and ale or apple pie, to quirky sweet fruit combos or vegetarian and vegan options.
The week culminates in the prestigious British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray, home of the traditional pork pie, and dubbed the UK’s ‘Pie Capital’. Pie lovers, bakers, pubs, restaurants and even supermarkets take part.
There are lots of ways to get involved, such as:
- Themed parties, where you can eat pies and share recipes
- Support local pie makers by visiting pie shops
- Buy pies from a local bakery, village shop, or supermarket
- Visit a pub or restaurant offering special pie menus
- Bake a pie at home, maybe trying a new recipe (Tip: try https://www.british-pie-week.co.uk/ for recipe ideas!)
- Share photos, recipes and experiences online using the hashtag #BritishPieWeek
During the early 2000s there was a bit of a “pie renaissance” around Sussex, with lots of pie-makers and pubs holding pie-making competitions.
One year, it was the turn of The Camber Castle pub to host the regional heats and a Camber resident (and chief pie-maker at The Castle at the time) came in at 3rd place with her steak and shallot pie, putting Camber firmly on the map of pie excellence!
Unfortunately, it was only the first-place winner of each regional heat who went on to the final in London, but we all talked about her pies for years to come. She has kindly offered to bake some mini-pies for the nibbles on the tables at our next Community Prize Bingo Night, which is in the middle of British Pie Week, on 4th March. Even more reason to come along!
And for more pie treats, why not pop along to Rye Bay Café on Friday 6th March, where there will be a special ‘pie meal deal’, with pie, mash (or chips), veg, and one drink of your choice – all for £14.50! Must be book in advance: call 01797 226238 to reserve your pie. (NB – Drinks are single measures only.)
