Discover the Culinary Delights of Melton Mowbray

Discover the Culinary Delights of Melton Mowbray

The Rural Capital of Food

Did you know that Melton Mowbray is known as the rural capital of food? This charming town in Leicestershire, England, is famous for its world-renowned pork pies, Stilton cheese, and craft breweries. The iconic Melton Mowbray pork pies have been a beloved staple of British culinary tradition since the late 18th century.

The Unique Craftsmanship of Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

What sets Melton Mowbray pork pies apart is their unique “free-standing” baking method, which gives them a distinctive, rustic appearance and a satisfying golden-brown crust. The process begins with a hot water crust pastry made from flour, water, and melted lard. This pastry is hand-molded to create the pie’s characteristic shape. The filling consists of coarsely chopped, locally-sourced pork, seasoned with a secret blend of spices. After filling, the pies are sealed with a pastry lid, leaving a small hole for steam to escape during baking. This hole is later used to add a rich, savory jelly that enhances the pie’s flavor and moisture.

Explore the Pork Pie Museum

For those passionate about the history of pork pies, a dedicated museum has just opened in Melton Mowbray. Located in the Grade II-listed Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, the oldest and only remaining pork pie bakery in town, the museum features footage of the pastry-making process and a photographic display depicting the timeline of the pie and the shop. The museum’s opening is marked by the creation of a limited-edition “Best of Melton Pork Pie,” combining British outdoor-bred pork, Red Ale Chutney, and creamy Stilton from local dairy Long Clawson.

Make Your Own Pork Pie

For a hands-on experience, Brokleby’s in Melton Mowbray offers pork pie-making workshops. These 2-hour sessions, available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and alternate Thursday evenings, cost £40 per person (£70 per couple). More detailed 3-hour courses are available on weekends, allowing participants to make and take home their own authentic Melton Mowbray pork pie.

Award-Winning Pork Pies in Oakham

If visiting Melton Mowbray isn’t feasible, head to Leeson’s Butchers on the High Street in Oakham. Leeson Family Butchers’ Melton Mowbray pork pies have won the Show Champion title at the British Pie Awards in the Pork Pie category for the past three years. Their pork pie topped with Stilton is a must-try.

Other culinary delights

You can enjoy more of the culinary delights of Melton by joining a walking tour of Melton. Stilton cheese is also make in the area, and a trip to Long Clawston cheese shop is also recommended.

Stay in the Heart of Rutland

For those wishing to explore the rural capital of food, consider staying at Puddle Cottage or Snowdrop Cottage in Edith Weston, a short drive from Melton Mowbray. These charming 4-star cottages are within walking distance of Rutland Water and close to the market towns of Oakham, Uppingham, and Stamford. Both cottages feature modern amenities while retaining the charm of old cottages, with exposed beams, stone, and an open fire. We warmly welcome dogs at Puddle Cottage.

For more details on availability and tariffs, visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the natural beauty of Rutland Water and the comfort of our cottages.