Handmade gourmet pie specialists Mud Foods use only local free-range meat and eggs with some of the ingredients being organic as well.
Christian Barrington, who runs the company, says he is inspired by seasons and the diversity of our food because we have such a varied weather system.
“It means that if you cook with the seasons you have an ever changing and exciting menu and diet and buying local food ensures that you’re getting the very best ingredients at their optimum freshness and tastiness.”
Mud’s favourite pie is their delicious steak & kidney. Christian says it gives him great sentimental memories of cooking with his Grandmother and helping her make her own famous steak & kidney pie.
Christian is enthusiastic about other producers at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, from whom he sources much of his ingredients, “John Court, because his marvellous free-range chickens lay the eggs that I use in my pastry and my squiches. Mike Smales’ Lyburn Cheese which I’m using in my squiches. Sara Potter of Potts Pantry for the most inspiring cakes and a great coffee for the perfect start to a market along with Toby’s bacon from Bowtell’s Farm and I’m also particularly keen on the Blueberry Cookies from Dorset Blueberry Company. And I should also mention Blackmoor Game because I use some of their free-range meat in my pies.”
Christian says the best thing about HFM for him is the customers who he finds are really supportive of their local markets and their traders,
“Since attending Winchester I have never seen such a response from customers. I’m amazed by how many customers have taken the time to contact me and tell me how much they like what I do. Thank you.”
