A WINDERMERE butchers has succeeded in their quest for pie-fection.

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The independent business, A.F. Huddlestons Butchers in Windermere, which employs only three people, landed the national title of supreme champion at the British Pie Awards on Wednesday March 9.

Their beef and vegetable pasty, known locally as The Grafter, impressed judges so much that it received the highest award in show. 

A.F. Huddlestons Butchers has been owned by John and Elspeth Nicholl since 1988. 

The small shop in Cresent Road is known for its homemade pies and pastries, which are made from scratch.

The Grafter took them four years to perfect. 

Mr Nicholl said: "We entered six different pies altogether as The Grafter won the pasty category and was then chosen as supreme champion. 

"I just couldn't believe it when they read out that we had won, I was just blown away - I'm still in shock."

The winning pie is actually a pasty pastry which makes it healthier than other pasties because it contains half the amount of fat in comparison. 

Mr Nicholl and his wife first attended the British Pie Awards last year when they won the meat and potato category. 

Mr Nicholl said: "Our sale of pies went through the roof after that. 

"We have entered competitions for years but winning at the British Pie Awards is just phenomenal.

"All I could think was we have beaten everybody from Cornwall which is just something I couldn't believe. 

"There's some brilliant pie producers out there and to be amongst them is just fantastic."

Great British Pie Week 2016 - a list of South Cumbria's best pies.
Here at the Evening Mail we have compiled a list of where you can get the best pies in the South Cumbria area and the Furness Peninsula.
Higginsons of Grange, Grange-over-Sands
Lesley's Home Bakery, Ulverston
Deli.Sh, Barrow
Mabel's, Askam
Thomas's Bakery, Barrow
Greens, Barrow
Village Bakery, Greenodd
The Apple Pie, Ambleside
Irvings Butchers, Ulverston
Diggles, Barrow