Latest news with #BrowningstheBakers
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire businesses among finalists at Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards
Arran Dairies, Brownings the Bakers, Dunbia Highland Meats and Mossgiel Organic Dairy could be among the winners at the awards night in September. Four of Ayrshire 's finest food and drink businesses have been named among the finalists for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. Arran Dairies, Brownings the Bakers, Dunbia Highland Meats and Mossgiel Organic Dairy have all been nominated for awards. Now in its 25th year, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals and companies in the industry. This year, winners will be announced at the awards night hosted by journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark on September 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow. Among the 85 finalists from 60 different businesses across Scotland are four Ayrshire firms. Arran Dairies have been nominated in the small business dairy product of the year category for their Arran Blackthorn Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Kilmarnock 's Brownings the Bakers have been nominated in the bakery product of the year category for their famous Kilmarnock Pies. In the meat product of the year category, Dunbia Highland Meats of Saltcoats have been nominated for their Strathvale Scotch Grass Fed Fillet Steak which is available at Lidl. Every product entered has been tasted and judged by a panel of experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality. A host of business awards will also be presented on the night and Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Mauchline has been nominated in the organic business of the year category. Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: 'Year after year, The Excellence Awards attract an incredibly diverse range of entries of seriously impressive quality. 'Sampling the incredible range of entries might sound like a dream job but narrowing it down to the very best has been no easy task for our expert panel. This year, the judges were struck by the outstanding quality, creativity, and innovation on display. 'Despite the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, it's inspiring to see Scotland's food and drink businesses continuing to push boundaries in not just what they produce, but in how they operate. 'Almost a quarter of a century from the first Awards, this year promises to be a standout occasion for one of the country's most lucrative and successful industries. Congratulations to everyone who's made the shortlist, and best of luck on the night.' Asda continues its support for The Excellence Awards as headline sponsor. Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager Scotland at Asda, added: 'It's a privilege for Asda to once again support The Excellence Awards and to celebrate the incredible passion and dedication of Scotland's food and drink producers. 'Judging the tasted categories certainly wasn't easy, but I know I speak for the whole panel when I say the finalists truly represent the very best our industry has to offer.'
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Tributes to owner of iconic Scottish bakery chain who died
The family of Bill Browning, head of Brownings the Bakers based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, announced last week that he passed away. He was one of five children to Margaret and John Howie Browning, who started the company, known for "The Famous Kilmarnock Pie" - back in 1945, reports the Scottish Sun. READ MORE: New flagship supermarket set to open, marking a first for the local community Bill worked for a few bakeries learning his trade before joining the family business along with siblings Margaret and Matt. This is when he spent many hours working and baking with his dad at the old bakery in Hurlford Cross. In 1977, the bakery then moved to Galston Road in Hurlford. Bill's nephew John took to social media to talk about the baker's life. He said to the Scottish Sun: "This is when the company really started to be recognised with Bill passing all his great baking skills on to others, creating new and wonderful products to mostly sell in our own and many other shops throughout the Ayrshire area. "His attention to detail in making quality bakery products was second to none, and a tradition the company has always used since then. "In the Galston Road bakery, he grew his own large rhubarb patch and would often be found outside pulling it and making great tarts. "He also went about many homes in Hurlford swapping rhubarb from the gardens in exchange for his delicious cakes. "He had that sort of hunger and enthusiasm." "He won an award once for his delicious Eccles Cakes and never got fed up telling that story. "He didn't have to use scales to weigh ingredients, as a handful of this and that always worked for him. "Along with his brilliance at sugar rolls, Cumnock tarts, pies, rolls and many more it made the business what it is today with the company still using the same ethos. "Our thoughts at this very sad time go to his immediate family." He leaves son John Howie Browning Jr., daughter Beth, grandchildren Blair, Emily and Billy, as well as three great-grandchildren. READ MORE: Iconic cult classic heading Glasgow with live orchestra performance Following the announcement of his death on Facebook, many tributes flooded in for the beloved baker. One person said: "Amazing man, a true gentleman. "I had the pleasure of supplying potatoes for their tattie scones and fresh rhubarb when in season many years ago. "Love to the family." Another wrote: "Thoughts are with the family. "A terrific man, one of a kind. "Bill was a true and loyal lifelong friend." A third commented: "A great guy, who made friends with everyone he had dealings with in the baking industry. "He will be sadly missed." And a fourth added: "A man full of character, he will be sadly missed."
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Owner of iconic Scottish bakery chain dies aged 87 as tributes paid to ‘true gentleman'
Bill's nephew John took to social media to talk about the bakery owner's life BELOVED BAKER Owner of iconic Scottish bakery chain dies aged 87 as tributes paid to 'true gentleman' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRIBUTES have been paid to the owner of an iconic Scottish bakery chain who died aged 87. The family of Bill Browning, head of Brownings the Bakers based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, announced last week that he passed away. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tributes have since flooded in for the bakery boss since the announcement of his death Credit: Facebook He was one of five children to Margaret and John Howie Browning who started the company back in 1945. Bill worked for a few bakeries learning his trade, before joining the family business along with siblings Margaret and Matt. This is when he spent many hours working and baking with his dad at the old bakery in Hurlford Cross. In 1977 the bakery then moved to Galston Road in Hurlford. Bill's nephew John took to social media to talk about the baker's life. He continued: "This is when the company really started to be recognised with Bill passing all his great baking skills on to others, creating new and wonderful products to mostly sell in our own and many other shops throughout the Ayrshire area. "His attention to detail making quality bakery products was second to none and a tradition the company has always used since then. "In the Galston Road bakery, he grew his own large rhubarb patch and would often be found outside pulling it and making great tarts. "He also went about many homes in Hurlford swapping rhubarb from the gardens in exchange for his delicious cakes. "He had that sort of hunger and enthusiasm." UK bakery chain set to rival Greggs announces new product range and new stores - a looking behind the scenes He continued: "He won an award once for his delicious Eccles Cakes and never got fed up telling that story. "He didn't have to use scales to weigh ingredients, as a handful of this and that always worked for him. "Along with his brilliance at sugar rolls, Cumnock tarts, pies, rolls and many more it made the business what it is today with the company still using the same ethos. "Our thoughts at this very sad time go to his immediate family." He leaves son John Howie Browning Jnr, daughter Beth, grandchildren Blair, Emily and Billy, as well as three great grandchildren. Following the announcement of his death on Facebook, many tributes flooded in for the beloved baker. One person said: "Amazing man, a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of supplying potatoes for their tattie scones and fresh rhubarb when in season many years ago. Love to the family." Another wrote: "Thoughts are with the family. A terrific man, one of a kind. Bill was a true and loyal lifelong friend." A third commented: "A great guy, who made friends with everyone he had dealings with in the baking industry. He will be sadly missed." And a fourth added: "A man full of character, he will be sadly missed."
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire butchers and bakers win honours at World Championship Scotch Pie Awards
Five butchers and bakeries from Ayrshire picked up prizes at the annual World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. Five of Ayrshire 's top butchers and bakeries have claimed honours at the prestigious 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. Brownings the Bakers from Kilmarnock, David at Brownings from Galston, Irvines Bakery from Beith, The Kandy Bar from Saltcoats and The Cumbrae Butcher from Millport all took home prizes. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards were announced on Saturday, May 10 at the Hilton, Glasgow. Brownings the Bakers were the big winners, taking home one gold and four silver awards. Their famous Kilmarnock Pie was given gold in the hot savoury category and silver in the football pie and savoury category while their Kilmarnock Pie with peppercorn sauce was given silver in the hot savoury category. Brownings the Bakers also picked up silver for their apple pie and their scotch pie in the eponymous categories. The Cumbrae Butcher won two gold awards for their sausage roll and their macaroni pie in their respective categories. Irvines Bakery also picked up two awards with a gold for their Chicken and Black Pudding Pie in the Hot Savoury category and bronze for their mince bridie in the bridie category. David at Brownings was awarded gold for their spicy pork and haggis bridie in the haggis savoury category and The Kandy Bar picked up bronze for their scotch pie. More than 500 products were entered from 88 companies across Scotland with 50 expert judges assessing each entry for taste, appearance, smell and texture. Lesley Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, said: "This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 25 years of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. "It's a true testament to the passion, skill, and dedication of our butchers, bakers, and pie makers who continue to set the standard for quality and innovation in our industry. "Our winners should be incredibly proud - to stand out in such a fiercely competitive field is an outstanding achievement. "We're delighted to celebrate Scotland's pie makers, our 'Pieoneers', who keep our rich culinary heritage alive while pushing the craft forward."
