Hinchliffe's voted BEST PORK PIE IN BRITAIN!

Our pies are coming up roses - on BBC's Look North

We flew the flag for great British pork pies during British Pie Week on March 4-10, cooking up two giant-sized pies in the shape of the Yorkshire Rose and the Union Jack!

The colourful crusties – which were painted in edible yellow, white and green paint for the Yorkshire Rose and red, white and blue for the Union Jack – were the creation of our very own Nell Weavill.

Our master butcher, Craig Midwood, who's been at Hinchliffe's since he was 15 and in that time has scooped the Pork Pie Appreciation Society's top award of UK Pork Pie Champion six times, says the pies represent all that's best about British pies. "Only 100% British ingredients go into our pies.

Customers have that peace of mind when they take a bite that we've made all our pies from scratch and know exactly what goes into them from the pastry to the pork – and of course that special ingredient: 100% passion."

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Proud to offer properly sourced meat

Want to know where the meat in your burger came from? How your Sunday roast was cared for? What went into your steak?

At Hinchliffe’s we’re proud to offer beef that has been with us from pasture to plate. This means we know exactly what goes into each animal: caring it for it from the day it’s born, maximizing its welfare, and feeding and handling it to produce beef with the best flavour and texture before it’s butchered on site by our highly-skilled butchers.

"Our customers trust us that only 100% beef goes into our products"

“There are no short cuts with our meat,” says Simon Hirst. “We’re there at every stage of the animal’s development and use skills handed down four generations of our family to produce the best tasting, judiciously sourced beef we can – pure and simple. Our customers trust us that only 100 per cent beef goes into our products – there’s definitely no horsing around!”

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Hinchliffe’s on TV again! - Sean Wilson cooks up a Great Northern storm

Hinchliffe's was transformed into a TV studio over the summer when actor and foodie Sean Wilson dropped in on the farm to film his up-and-coming series The Great Northern Cookbook for Channel 5.

Sean, best known for playing Martin Platt in Coronation Street,
has also worked in a Michelinstarred kitchen and is a cheese maker of some distinction, collecting a Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards in 2011.

The programme sees him explore the gastronomic heritage of towns in the north of England (as well as baking pies at Hinchliffe's!), with a mission to take on four very distinct competitive challenges in each region.

Don't worry if you missed the show, you can watch it again on Demand 5 – click the link below

www.channel5.com/shows/the-great-northern-cookbook/episodes/

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Hinchliffe’s “has passion by the bucket load!” Says satisfied customer – as Farm Shop wins customer service award

It’s secured more than 10 awards in the last two years for everything from its pork pies to its puddings, but this week Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop, Butchery and Restaurant received its most special accolade – an award nominated by its customers.

The Huddersfield family-run farm shop scooped a ‘Customer at the Heart’ award this week: recommended by members of the public for independent retailers who put the customer first.

Hinchliffe’s, based in Netherton, was nominated by an anonymous customer and after a mystery shop by the judges of the awards was deemed worthy of the Customer at the Heart title for its commitment to its customers.

The nominee said: “It’s not just the Great Taste Awards that have people flocking to Hinchliffe’s. It prides itself on its passion and it has that in the bucket load!”

Hinchliffe’s Simon Hirst said he was overwhelmed with the award. “All of our awards mean a great deal to us but this one is particularly significant because it has come from a customer. At the end of the day, we can offer the best products in our farm shop or run the best restaurant, but if our customers aren’t happy then it doesn't mean a thing. At Hinchliffe’s we’ve always strived to put our customers first and make their experience in our shop, restaurant, butchery and open farm as enjoyable as possible – after all they are our lifeblood. It’s great to know we’re are getting this right.”
  
Customer at the Heart was established in 2011 to celebrate and praise independent retailers whose level of service elevates them from the competition. Each venue is nominated by a member of the public and then a mystery shop is conducted. If the judges are “sufficiently wowed”, the nominee receives an award.

In October, Hinchliffe’s could be put forward for the ‘Winner of Winners’ – awarded to the very best place for customer service in the UK. Voting starts on Monday October 27, log on to www.customerattheheart.co.uk.

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Just in time for Yorkshire Day... it's Pork Minster!

ITS dramatic West Front may not be quite as sturdy, and there is no sign of the ancient gargoyles glaring down from its spires. But it is most certainly York Minster - just not quite as we know it.

A team of Yorkshire pork pie makers have painstakingly recreated the iconic building out of meat and pastry to celebrate Yorkshire Day, and are throwing down the gauntlet to a Lancashire rival who has launched a bid to see which region produces the best in the north.

Neil Court-Johnston, managing director of Wigan-based pie manufacturers Poole’s, has set up the competition to find the best pork pie in Yorkshire, with it then to challenge the best pie over the pennines on Lancashire Day - November 27 – to be crowned the finest in the north.

According to Mr Court-Johnston, Yorkshire is unique as it does not already have a favourite brand of pie.

And pork pie makers Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop, based near Huddersfield, has laid down an early marker with this creation.

"..it is most certainly York Minster - just not quite as we know it."

General manager Simon Hirst said: “Yorkshire Day has been going for over 30 years, and celebrates everything Yorkshire, but especially the integrity of the county.

“Each year, on this day, members of the Yorkshire Ridings Society read a declaration of the integrity of Yorkshire at four of the Bars of York.

“We are incredibly proud of our Yorkshire heritage and it only seemed fitting to support Yorkshire Day with a pork pie tribute to York Minster.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “What a perfect Yorkshire combination - fantastic food and an amazing attraction rolled into one.

“This fusion shows off just two of Yorkshire’s many great attributes and I’m sure it will prove a tasty hit with visitors this Yorkshire Day.”

Published in the Yorkshire Post on Wednesday 1 August 2012

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Hinchliffe's Meat: Still cheaper than the Supermarket!

Click here or on the image to enlarge

Up to 90% of meat cuts from Hinchliffe’s butchers are cheaper than those from the nearest supermarket – now two years in a row!

The Netherton farm shop’s latest survey has shown that 19 out of 20 of its meat products are the same or better value than the local Sainsbury’s supermarket – an even bigger improvement on its 2011 survey.

Incredible bargains include cooked ham – 75% cheaper at Hinchliffe’s – and chicken breasts, some 70% cheaper than Sainsbury’s at £7.35 per kg compared with £12.49 per kg.

Pork chops, bacon and cooked beef are all half the price of the supermarket alternatives.

And, if you fancy a sirloin steak on your barbecue this summer, then Hinchliffe’s homebred, grass fed pedigree South Devon sirloins remain more than £4 cheaper than the supermarket.

Click here or on the image to enlarge

With escalating food prices, and higher meat prices making it harder for the average family to make meals on a budget, Hinchliffe’s low cost cuts will come as welcome news.

“It’s not just farmers that want a fair price for their food – consumers want good quality, locally produced food at a price they can afford,” says Hinchliffe’s general manager Simon Hirst. “Again, we’ve proved that we are cheaper than the supermarket, and what’s more, all of our meat is carefully and expertly reared and butchered on the farm, or sourced from local farms for which we pay a fair price. If you want to shop fair, shop at a farm shop!"

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Sporting Spirit

We're gearing up to support the Huddersfield Giants' inaugural 20Twenty Cricket Family Funday, taking place on Sunday 12th August at Lascelles Hall Cricket Club.

The day will see the current first team stars take on a Legends team with family fun on offer throughout the day, including face painting and classic games, as well as Rugby League and cheerleading taster sessions.

As the crowds work up an appetite we'll be on hand (come rain or shine!) to serve up tasty treats from a 'giant BBQ', assisted by first team squad members.

There'll also be a prize draw on the day with the opportunity to win a meal for two at our picturesque Netherton restaurant as well as one of our farm shop hampers.

Sunday 12th August 1pm-5pm ~ Lascelles Hall Cricket Club

Giants website link: www.giantsrl.com

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Hinchliffe's Farm Shop shortlisted for major tourism award

Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop has been shortlisted for a White Rose Award - the biggest tourism awards in the UK.

The rural farm shop has made it through to the final of the ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ category.

Based in Netherton, near Huddersfield, Hinchliffe’s was one of the first established farm shops in the UK. It is a fourth generation successful family-run business, selling the very best fresh Yorkshire produce, with good old-fashioned customer service at the core of its business. 

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on October 1 at Elland Road's Centenary Pavilion in Leeds.

Winners of each category will not only scoop one of these prestigious accolades, but they are also entered into the national tourism awards next year.

Hinchliffe’s General Manager, Simon Hirst said: “It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted for a White Rose Award amongst such strong competition.

Our farm shop has come on in leaps and bounds over the years and despite some setbacks along the way, we’ve never lost our vision to grow the business and champion all our fantastic local producers.  Our home reared beef is at the heart of our business and we’re also proud to be National Pork Pie champions. I can’t think of a better way to recognise all the hard work of the previous generations than winning a sought after White Rose Award – we’ve got everything crossed!”   

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Making it to the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself and they have had to contend with some real quality competition. It's always a close run thing, but there's every chance they could go on and win one of these prestigious White Rose Awards."

More than a thousand people are expected to attend the awards and tickets are now on sale at www.whiteroseawards.com

The awards are run by tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire.

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HINCHLIFFE’S CELEBRATES PIE PERFECTION

Hinchliffe’s resident pork pie aficionado reigns supreme at the 20th annual Pork Pie Appreciation Society’s Awards, having scooped the accolade of ‘best pie’ - for the second year running!

There’s nothing more British than the celebrated pork pie, with foodies travelling far and wide on a quest for the ‘perfect’ pastry treat. But what’s the secret of a lip-smacking pork pie? Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop Master Butcher, Craig Midwood is the man to ask.

"This competition is the one to win"
Stuart Booth, Pork Pie Appreciation Society

Craig went head-to-head with butchers from far and wide in the Pork Pie Appreciation Society’s highly acclaimed competition at the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden where a blind-tasting, judged this year by celebrity chef Brian Turner, saw Craig scoop the top prize.

Craig said: “A good pie starts with the very best, fresh ingredients to gain that winning edge, but there’s also an element of practice-makes-perfect when it comes to the perfect pie. It feels amazing to have won the judge’s approval two years on the trot!"

Pork Pie Appreciation Society Pie Competition Winners 2012

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SPIRITS HERE ARE FLYING HIGH AFTER YET ANOTHER AWARD SUCCESS!

HINCHLIFFE’S PROVES IT’S ‘THE ONE’ STOP SHOP FOR PERFECT PORK PIES

Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop resident pork pie aficionado teaches The One Show’s Anita Rani the secrets of an award-winning pie to die for.

The BBC’s The One Show paid a visit to Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop and Restaurant on Saturday to learn how to make the perfect pork pie – pies that beat off competition to win the 20th annual Pork Pie Competition!

The One Show’s roving reporter Anita Rani learned there was no better place to grasp the tricks of the trade than with Hinchliffe’s head butcher – and newly crowned 2012 Pork Pie champion – Craig Midwood.

Anita, known for taking part in the celebrity edition of the Great British Bake Off, spent the morning with Craig at the Huddersfield farm shop as he demonstrated exactly what’s involved in producing an award-winning pie, and Anita, who hails from curry capital of the North, Bradford, gave her pork pie a personal twist with fresh chillies and spices.

Both pie makers then went head-to-head in the Pork Pie Appreciation Society’s highly acclaimed competition at the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden – a blind-tasting judged this year by celebrity chef Brian Turner – which saw Craig scoop the top prize.

“I have quite a few years under my belt so I wasn’t too worried about the competition from Anita, although it was a surprisingly good first attempt!” said Craig. “But, then again, I didn’t expect to come first again! “A good pie starts with the very best, fresh ingredients to gain that winning edge, but there’s also an element of practice-makes-perfect when it comes to the perfect pie. It feels amazing to have won the judge’s approval 2 years on the trot.”

Hinchliffe’s General Manager Simon Hirst said: “Craig certainly knows a thing or two about pies and Anita was a great sport and really took everything on board. We are over the moon to win the competition and the feedback on our pork pies has been incredible. It’s a real credit to the expertise of the butchery team here at Hinchliffe’s – we’re inundated with orders and the pies literally fly off the shelves!”

In fact, the Netherton farm shop has just accepted an order for 5,000 pork pies from local manufacturing firm Cummins, where managers and staff will be getting their very own taste of Hinchliffe’s 2012 gold medal winners at a their 60th Anniversary company event!

Don't forget to watch us on The One Show on Friday 4th May!

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PIE IN THE SKY

SPIRITS HERE ARE FLYING HIGH AFTER YET ANOTHER AWARD SUCCESS!

We're celebrating again after scooping three prizes at the 23 rd annual Great Yorkshire Pork Pie, Sausage and Products Competition, held at Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on Sunday 20 November.

Organised by the Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers Council, the UK's biggest and most prestigious regional meat trades competition attracts hundreds of entries from butchers across the county, including farm shops and bakers who make products on their own premises.

The three categories are designed to showcase the very best pork products across a number of categories, including traditional, standard and speciality pies and three sausage classes, including thin, thick and speciality.

The Netherton-based farm shop, famed for its fresh meat and home-made savouries entered all three categories and faced tough competition to be awarded 1st prize for its black pudding and 2nd prize for its pound pork pie and thick pork sausage; all of which are made on site at Hinchliffe's Farm.

General Manager, Simon Hirst says “We are absolutely delighted to have won three awards when we were up again such stiff competition!  This is great recognition for the hard-work and dedication that goes in to our quality produce, as well as being a fantastic reward for our skilled butchers.”

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Hinchliffe's Farm named SME of the year!

Huddersfield-based farm shop, Hinchliffe’s is celebrating after scooping the prestigious SME of the Year Award at last night’s Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards.

Despite a difficult couple of years which saw the family-run business destroyed by a fire, the family were able to pull together and have re-established the farm shop as one of the town’s most successful small businesses.

In amongst all the hard work, the family have found the time to add an adjoining restaurant to the farm shop, which is already proving to be popular with locals and visitors to the region alike.

Simon Hirst, General Manager said: “We've been particularly fortunate with the support from the local residents of Netherton and I'd like to give a special thanks to Charlie, my Grandfather, who originally started the business and is still very much dedicated despite approaching 88."

» Read FULL Examiner article here

» Watch video on Hudderfield Examiner website

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Netherton Farm Shop's Got Great 'Taste'

Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop and Restaurant, nr Huddersfield, are licking their lips after being shortlisted in the ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ category in the acclaimed White Rose Award’s.

Described as the ‘cream of Yorkshire Hospitality' short listed businesses attended a sparkling awards ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse, where Hinchliffe's and other shortlisted businesses were hailed for their contribution to Yorkshire's Economy and the nation's tourism industry.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said “Yorkshire's tourism economy is booming and the finalist list for the White Rose Awards indicates why. The level of high quality entries was outstanding and a firm indication that our tourism industry know the importance of offering our visitors that extra special experience.”

» Read FULL article here

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Success at Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival 2011

RECORD numbers of people flocked to the four-day Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival.

Delighted organisers announced last night that there were almost 100,000 visitors over the course of the four days – up 35% on last year.

Simon Hirst, from Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop and Restaurant, said: “It was a phenomenal festival – we sold over 2,500 award-winning pork pies and over a thousand barbecued burgers, steak sandwiches and bacon butties. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from customers old and new. The festival is so well organised and is a credit to Huddersfield, its town centre, and its local food producers. “It’s been a great opportunity for us and we are extremely proud to have been the main sponsors.”

Read FULL Examiner article here

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Three more awards won by our Butchers!

Awards won at the show:

1st Prize:
THE GOLDEN ROAST TROPHY FOR BEST DRY CURED STREAKY BACON

2nd Prize:
SHORT BACK BACON

3rd Prize:
SPECIALITY SAUSAGE (RED ONION CHUTNEY)

Link - Bakewell Show Winners

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Price comparison chart reveals our meat is up to 27% cheaper than supermarket equivalents!

A price comparison survey has revealed that 14 out of 18 of the meat products at Hinchliffe's Farm Shop are cheaper than those sold at the local supermarket.

Research has shown that customers can slash the price of their weekly shop by buying meat products such as fillet steaks, bacon and topside beef at its Netherton shop rather than at Sainsbury's.

*Please note, these prices were only accurate in June 2011

Real bargains include the rib eye steak, sold at Sainsbury's for £23 per kilo, but offered at Hinchliffe's for £19.33 per kilo – a saving of £3.68 – and Hinchliffe's duck breast, which, priced at £17.95 per kilo, is almost 30 per cent cheaper than the same product at Sainsbury's, priced at £24.93 per kilo. Fillet steaks, topside beef and bacon all come in around £2.50 per kilo cheaper than those sold at the supermarket giant.

“Many people probably think we're more expensive than the high-street stores but as our survey shows, this simply isn't the case!” says Hinchliffe's General Manager Simon Hirst.

“What's more, not only are our meat products generally cheaper but we can guarantee that the beef has been home-bred and butchered on site, and all the other meat products come from trusted local producers.”

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Hinchliffe's - Voted Top 10 Best places for Steak in the UK (says MSN)

Beef is the meat that probably most defines the British - just look at what the French call us - but it's also often the dish that's easiest to come unstuck with in the kitchen - either burning it to a char or undercooking it. Thankfully there are some great places across the UK that can serve you a steak as good as you'll find anywhere.

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Award-winning pork pies back at Hinchliffe's Farm Shop!

What's the secret of a great pork pie? Craig Midwood is the man to ask – he's just run off with the Pork Pie Appreciation Society's top award for the sixth time.

The 28-year-old head butcher and pie maker got ‘best pie' award in the society's 19th annual master pork pie maker's competition in Ripponden, Yorkshire.

Craig, who started at the farm as a butcher's lad when he was 15, won the top award five times when he worked for the previous tenant butchers at Hinchliffe's. He left after the disastrous fire but now he has returned scooping the coveted award yet again.

Additionally, the butchers is run by the Hinchliffe family again which makes the award that little bit more special.

Well done Craig, we're very proud of you!

» Read full article here:

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Hinchliffe’s wins a 2011 Great Taste Award

Hinchliffe's is celebrating (again!) after winning a prestigious 2011 Great Taste Award.

We've been presented with a coveted one-star Gold Great Taste Award for our Traditional Thin Pork Sausage, which the judges described as “ Very tender to cut, good aroma, nice texture and well seasoned with a pleasant aftertaste”.

This just the latest in a string of accolades for Hinchliffe's, which consistently wins awards for its pork pies and was recently voted one of the top ten places in the UK to enjoy steak.

General Manager Simon Hirst says “ We are absolutely delighted with our gold star! Winning a Great Taste Award recognises the dedication that goes into making superb food and drink, so it's a great reward for our brilliant and hard-working butchers”.

The Great Taste Awards judging standards, devised by the Guild of Fine Food, are the most rigorous in the UK, so it's really something to be selected to receive a gold star!

» Read full article here:

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