The first round of judging took place last week. A total of 26 pies make it through to the final round. A total 68 beef, lamb and mutton pies were entered into the competition across two categories; 'Independent Retail Butcher or Caterer' and 'Manufacturer'. All of the pies were evaluated and given scores by a team of judges. The 16 companies who received gold awards for their pies will now go through to a final round of judging which takes place on Wednesday 25th May. The finalists are: • Richardson's of Woodthorpe • Mellors Farm Butchers • Cranstons Ltd • Dee's Pies • C Lidgate Butchers • Frinton Road Butchers • Kingfisher Hotel & Country Club • J.W. Mettrick & Son Ltd • Hallmark Hotel • Manydown Farm Shop • Devilish Desserts • Owen Taylor & Sons Ltd • Dunkleys • Pieminister • Pyes Farm • Pork Farms The pie with the highest score in each category in the final ('Independent Retail Butcher or Caterer', and 'Manufacturer') will become the category winners. Both category winners, plus their partner or a colleague, will then be invited to attend the Meat Management Awards on 8 June where the entrant whose pies achieved the highest score overall, will win the coveted title 'England's Best Steak Pie,' which will be announced on the night. Hugh Judd, EBLEX foodservice project manager, said: "We were overwhelmed with the number of the pies entered into the competition and all of the judges commented on how tasty they were. It was a tough job to judge them all, but those that achieved gold awards were outstanding. "We are now very much looking forward to the final which will not only reveal the two category winners, but also the overall winner and the name of the best steak pie in England, which will be announced at the Meat Management Awards next month. Congratulations to everyone who has taken part so far."