AN EXCELLENT buttery tasting flaky pastry, tender juicy steak and perfectly seasoned gravy were just three of the ingredients that earned a Droitwich restaurant top spot in the town’s food festival pie competition.

The steak and kidney pie made and served at the Spinning Wheel Restaurant, St Andrew’s Street, Droitwich, was described by the judges as a very good example of a traditional pie they could eat and then come back for more.

Announcing the winners today (Saturday June 20), the 2015 Droitwich Spa Summer Festival organisers said it won the category for the Best Restaurant Pie and Overall Winner.

Stephen Hallam of the British Pie awards and chairman of the festival judging panel said: “I taste lots of pies and this is a very good example of a traditional steak and kidney pie as it should be and I could eat it all and still come back for more.”

The judges were also impressed that the pie was all made on the premises and used beer to the right level and balance to compliment the pie.

The winner of the best retail pie category was Abbey Butchers of Pershore with their traditional pork pie, while the Pie Creator from Stourport was highly commended for its pork, rabbit, chorizo and garlic pie.

All 27 entries in the festival pie competition – 15 from retail outlets and 12 served in local pubs and restaurants - were nominated by members of the public.

The Droitwich Spa Summer Festival is officially opened today by food writer, food critic and chef Tom Parker-Bowles and BBC Masterchef judge Charles Campion.

It runs until Sunday July 5 with 125 stands, entertainment and activities and fun for children. For more details visit www.droitwichspafestival.co.uk