No pie in the sky sales record

Some dishes never seem to go out of fashion.

In the last four months Ember Inns has sold more than 120,000 steak-and-ale pies in its pubs ­ around 6,000 pies a week.

The pie is now the second-best-selling item on the pub's menu, behind the mixed grill.

A new company is also hoping to capitalise on the pub customer's continuing affection for the pie.

Pieminister, based in Bristol, is producing hand-made gourmet pies specifically for the pub and bar industry.

Among the pies on offer are: humble pie, made of steak, shallots and ale; matador pie, made from steak, chorizo, butterbeans, olives and sherry; Thai chook pie made with chicken, lemongrass and green curry sauce; and heidi pie, made from goat's cheese, sweet potato, spinach, red onion and roasted garlic.

For more information call 0117 9429500 or email info@pieminister.co.uk Shepherd Neame's top pubs The Sportsman, at Seasalter, in Kent, has won the Pub Restaurant of the Year award in the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, for the third time in four years.

The Blue Anchor in Crowborough, East Sussex, was the winner of the best pub food category, in recognition of its good quality, locally-sourced ingredients.

Wine pub of the year was the George & Dragon, in Igtham, near Sevenoaks, Kent.

Closing date for Booker prizes Booker is reminding pub chefs that the closing date for entries for this year's Booker Prize for Excellence is March 5.

Categories include Best Pub Caterer, Best Restaurant, and Best Young Chef.

This year's category winners will be rewarded with a four-day study tour to Athens in September as well as Booker vouchers.

Entry forms and further details are available from Booker branches, at www.booker.co.uk and from the Booker Prize for Excellence office on 0121 7767788.