The quaint coastal village of Orford in Suffolk, England is no stranger to the extraordinary. Home to a perfectly preserved medieval castle and a former top-secret military testing site, this picturesque hamlet now lays claim to a new distinction: the birthplace of the UK’s most expensive mince pie.
A Luxurious Holiday Indulgence
Nestled among the charming cottages and winding walkways of Orford’s main street, the bright pink façade of Pump Street Bakery is impossible to miss. And this holiday season, the artisanal bakeshop is turning heads with its £25 box of six mince pies – a price tag that sets a new record for the festive treat in the UK.
According to sources close to the bakery, the pies are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. The mincemeat filling is prepared using apples sourced from a local orchard, while specialized moulds ensure a perfectly thin pastry crust and a generous, deep filling. It’s a labor of love that has earned Pump Street numerous accolades, including recognition from the prestigious Observer Food Monthly Awards.
Worth the Price of Admission?
For many of Orford’s residents and visitors, the allure of Pump Street’s mince pies is undeniable. Queues often stretch down the block during the summer months as eager patrons await their chance to indulge in the bakery’s famed sweets and artisanal loaves.
“I think they are incredibly luxurious and fantastic with some custard or cream,” gushes local resident Claire Roberio, 64. “They’re bespoke. It’s a homegrown business. I’m happy to pay extra because I only have mince pies at Christmas. It’s a luxury that I’m happy to be able to afford.”
Yet even some of Pump Street’s most ardent admirers balk at the £25 price tag for a half-dozen pies. Jocelyn Roberts, 67, a longtime visitor to Orford and regular customer at the bakery, admits that while she adores their pastries and doughnuts, the mince pies would have to be “bloody good” to justify the cost.
“It’s always busy and it is lovely,” Roberts concedes. “But having been a baker myself, the mince pies would have to be very bespoke. I’ll be making my own.”
A Pie for Every Palate (and Budget)
Fortunately for those seeking a more modestly priced mince pie, Orford offers alternatives. Just a short stroll from Pump Street, the Orford Meat Shed sells individual pies for a mere £1 apiece.
“I’ve got a different type of customer: builders. They want a sandwich, a mince pie, and a cup of tea and still want change from a fiver, which is what they get,” explains Diane Page, 59, who co-owns the butcher shop and deli with her husband Andrew. She describes their mince pies as “all-butter, luxury, and deep-filled” without the “bells and whistles” – just a quality product at a sensible price point.
While Page finds Pump Street’s £25 mince pies too steep for her own tastes, she acknowledges that if customers are willing to pay, then the bakery is wise to seize the opportunity. “They’re obviously selling them,” she notes, “and if they can do it, then good luck to them.”
A Slice of Holiday Magic
Whether one views Pump Street’s mince pies as an extravagant indulgence or an overpriced novelty, there’s no denying the bakery’s ability to generate buzz and draw crowds. For some, like local dog boarding business owner Maria Atkinson, 52, the hefty price tag is offset by the promise of an unforgettable culinary experience.
“At first, you think it’s really expensive and not everyone can afford that,” Atkinson admits. “But their goods are delicious.”
In the end, perhaps the true magic of Pump Street’s mince pies lies not in their cost, but in their ability to spark conversation, ignite imaginations, and add an extra sprinkle of enchantment to the already charming village of Orford. For those lucky enough to secure a box before they sell out, these luxurious little pies offer a taste of something truly extraordinary – a slice of holiday indulgence that’s as rich in flavor as it is in village lore.
