From Farmers' Market to Nationwide: Mud’s Proper Pie Journey
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By Mud Pies Team
There’s nothing quite like a proper British pie. Golden, buttery pastry. Rich, hearty fillings. A comforting taste of tradition, done properly. And if you’ve had a Mud Pies pie, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
But what you might not know is just how far we’ve come, and how it all started with a single stall at the Chichester farmers' market back in 2009.
Today, our pies are sold in pubs, restaurants, farm shops, delis, retail shops and more, and you can buy our handcrafted pies online from anywhere in the UK. But the spirit of those early market mornings is still baked into everything we do.
Let’s take a look at the journey, from humble beginnings to becoming one of Britain’s most-loved handcrafted pie makers.
It All Started with a Proper Craving
Founder Christian was inspired by his grandmother’s recipes, hearty, honest food made with care. No shortcuts. No fillers. Just proper meals, made from scratch.
In 2009, he set out to share that love of real, handcrafted pies with his local community in Chichester. So he set up a stall at the local farmers’ market and began selling pies. His mission was simple: to show people how good a pie could really be.
And it worked.
Week after week, more people came. Orders rolled in. Word spread. And it quickly became clear that these weren’t just any pies — they were something special.
Scaling Up Without Selling Out
As demand grew, so did the operation. Christian moved to a dedicated bakery in Midhurst, expanded the range (hello, Scrumpy Cheese & Onion Pie), and took the pies on the road, hitting more farmers' markets, food festivals, and local shops across the South East. As well as supplying a growing number of trade and retail outlets.
But the heart of the business never changed. Every Mud Pie is still made by hand in small batches, using ethically sourced British ingredients, including free-range meat and top quality vegetables. No shortcuts. No compromise.
Even as we scaled up, the commitment to down-to-earth good food stayed firm. And it’s this approach that’s earned us Great Taste Awards, British Pie medals, loyal fans, and thousands of happy customers across the country.
Bringing Pies Online: A Proper Revolution
In 2020, as demand grew, we knew it was time to make it even easier for people to enjoy Mud pies. That’s when we launched our online pie shop, allowing customers to buy pies online and have them delivered nationwide.
Whether you’re in Leeds or Looe, Brighton or Birmingham, you can now get a box of Mud’s finest pies delivered straight to your door, ready to enjoy when you need them most.
Our online range includes:
- British classics like the Steak & Ale Pie
- Vegetarian favourites like Red Onion Marmalade & Brie Squiche
- Seasonal specials like Christmas in a Pie
- And fruit pies for a sweet treat to finish
We also introduced gifts and Pie Boxes: freezer-friendly bundles to make it even easier to stock up on proper meals.
Why the Journey Matters
At Mud, we don’t just make pies. We tell a story. One that starts in the South Downs, with happy cows and fertile fields. One that passes through local markets, hardworking kitchens, and warm homes across the UK.
Every pie we send out is a connection, between farmer and cook, between tradition and today, between us and you.
And it’s this journey, from farmers’ market to your kitchen table, that makes Mud different.
Join the Journey
Whether you're a long-time customer or new to our pies, we're glad you're here.
If you haven’t tried us yet, join the Mud Club and get 10% off your first order. Or, if you're already a fan, why not share the love and send a box of pies and a Mud gift card to someone who deserves a proper meal?
Because wherever you are in the UK, we’re here to make your mealtimes better, one handcrafted pie at a time.