A BUTCHER has been crowned a cut above the rest after wining a national pie competition Jon Thorner's, which has an outlet at Hare Hatch Sheeplands garden centre in Twyford, beat out the competition with their steak and ale pie.

The pie was named Class Champion at the national celebration of British pies, hosted by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association.

Pie-makers from across the country impressed culinary professionals and industry experts with their fantastic flavours and perfect pastries.

Jon Thorner's also received eleven British Pie Award commendations for their flavours, such as brisket and horseradish, steak and Stilton and sweet potato and goat's cheese.

However, Paul Heaps, manager of Jon Thorner's at Sheeplands, said: “The old favourites of steak and ale and steak and kidney are still our best selling pies.

“Generally speaking business is very good and up on last year, with our bulk pack meats proving very popular.”