Whether you celebrate with a large gathering of friends at a local pub or in the quiet of your own home with a few close friends, take a moment this week to pay homage to the great British Pie during British Pie Week 2011, March 7-11, 2011.

Makes no difference if you go with the classic Shepherd’s Pie, venture out a bit and try the British Cow Pie or feel really frisky and try this year’s award-winning recipe for Cumberland Tattie Pot Pie, grab a Guinness and salute, perhaps, one of the greatest culinary marriages of pastry and passion to come out of the kitchen. This year’s Pub Pie Champion is Craig Hennessey, who hails from The Queen’s Head Inn, Cumbria.

Craig’s take on the winning entry? “I’m really excited to have won – it’s a great honour for me and the pub. Pies are so important because they are part of our pub heritage especially in Cumbria. Not offering pies on the menu would be like not having Cumberland sausage and mash. There’d be absolute uproar!”

Anyone have a favorite pie recipe? For my money,  I’m going with the traditional Shepherd’s Pie, especially after having one this past week at the greatness of The Nags Head in Belgravia (Knightsbridge tube stop just down from Harrods). Definitely a locals local. If you go, ask for Kevin (the owner) and please, whatever you do, switch off your mobile. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

If you can’t get to The Nags Head, don’t be afraid to try this classic from Gordon Ramsay at home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpFzc0OJPSc