On Christmas morning, families across Britain will start the day with a special breakfast like salmon, eggs benedict, or pancakes.
However, in Melton Mowbray, the ‘odd’ choice to tuck into a pork pie is a much more common selection.
Households across Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands have also claimed the unusual tradition of eating the crunchy pork parcel at the start of the big day.
The extra demand before the festive season means producers of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie are working tirelessly to prepare.
Melton Mowbray pork pie
GB News
Jo Belcher March House Farm
GB News
“Leading up to Christmas we’re busy,” said Jo Belcher at March House Farm in Great Dalby.
“It might seem odd to other people, but to have a pork pie on Christmas morning is certainly worth it.”
It’s believed the tradition has lasted since Victorian times when Nottinghamshire novelist DH Lawrence would eat a pork pie for breakfast on Christmas day.
“It’s popular throughout the year, but having a product that is traditionally eaten at Christmas massively helps sales,” Jo added.
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Cross section of a Melton Mowbray pork pie
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The fourth-generation regenerative family farmers make their pies using only ingredients from the farm.
Just a handful of producers make Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, following a strict recipe under protected status within the region.
The local delicacy gained popularity in the 1700s during hunting season.
Baked free-standing, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies must be raised by hand using chopped pork and a hot water crust pastry, plus a jelly centre.
Matthew O’Callaghan – Chair Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association
GB News
Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe
GB News
“It’s a very convenient and quality snack,” said Matthew O’Callaghan, Chair of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, formed to champion and protect the food.
In Melton town centre, the historic Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe claims to be the pioneer of the original Melton Mowbray Pork Pie since 1851.
Dubbed the ‘Rural Capital of Food’, Melton and the wider area depend heavily on its famed cuisine for income.
Alongside stilton cheese, which can only be made in the East Midlands, pork pies contribute £100million to the local food and tourism economy.
“It’s a very significant part of Melton’s economic heritage and progress,” Matthew added.
While some locals say they “love” the salty snack, others claim they’re “overrated.”
