Never mind the football – what about the pies?!
Much has been written of the cultural differences between Manchester and Liverpool not least in relation to the North-west derby which returns this weekend. However, one might assume that even these fierce rivals would find some common ground when tucking into their half-time football pie.
Not so, according to Neil Court-Johnston, the new MD at Holland’s Pies, whose company supply the pies at both Anfield and Old Trafford, but have learned to use different tactics in finding a winning formula.
“Wherever you are, the issue of what makes a good pie generates a lively response. But, considering these two proud cities are only separated by 35 miles, the difference is marked and it’s been the same for years.”
He continues:
“In Liverpool for example, people lean heavily towards steak and kidney pies, whilst in Manchester the preference has always been for meat and potato pies and puddings.”
The matter has intrigued Neil Court-Johnston so much, that he has even set up a specialist pie panel to reflect the variety of tastes in a county that takes great pride in its pie culture:
“Holland’s has been around for over 150 years and people around here don’t just get passionate about football. We make over 80 million pies a year and I just felt if there was a debate to be had in Lancashire – we should lead it.”
But where does his loyalty lie in the big football clash?
“Eastlands – I’m a lifelong Man City fan. There are no ‘pies’ on me!”
As well as Liverpool and Manchester United, Holland’s Pies serve a host of other clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Blackpool and Preston NE - Delia Smith even insisted that they be made available to supporters of Norwich City - but nowhere else in the country is this pie-rivalry replicated.
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