Accrington cafe's quip as Holland's Pies van parks up

The team at Café Ri-An in Accrington spotted a Holland’s Pies van outside of their business and took to social media to post a comment.

They also reassured their followers that they don’t buy their pies from the rival business.

(Facebook/@Caferianltd)

On Facebook, Café Ri-An wrote: “We really hope we haven't offended Holland's Pies by being voted best pies in Accrington and hope they can appreciate were just giving back to our community what they asked for.

“That said please don't leave your van outside our little place people might get the wrong idea, thanks!”

At the end of April, secretary of State Robert Jenrick, paid a visit to the Café and told staff that they served “the best pies in the district”.

One of the owners, Sean Mason, said: “The secretary of state came to use a couple of weeks ago and bought a cheese and onion pie- he said they were the best pies in Accrington.

Robert Jenrick (left) and Sean Mason

“A lot of people said this might impact Holland’s pies as they’ve always been said to produce the best pies in Accrington.”

When Mr Mason spotted the van parked outside the café last weekend, he couldn’t help but take a photo and make a joke about it.

He said: “The van appeared and it blocked our sunlight out for over an hour and covered the entire front of the café.

“I don’t know why it was parked there- but it looked like we were buying the pies off them!”

“I thought- I’m going to have a laugh with this, so I snapped the photo and posted it.

“We wondered if Holland’s pies were in a huff after the secretary of state’s announcement and left out a van outside in retaliation,” Sean joked.

However, Sean clarified that the post was made as a light-hearted jibe, adding: “We hope we didn’t upset them too much and wish Holland’s Pies all the best.”

At the time of writing, Café Ri-An’s Facebook post has received 127 reactions and 16 comments.

One person wrote: “They must be spying on you to learn how to make great pies!”

Another said: “They’re calling in to see how proper pies are made.”

Sean has certified that the pies are all homemade and aren’t sourced from Holland’s - but what it is about them that impressed the secretary of state so much?

Sean said: “Robert Jenrick asked that- but if we told you it wouldn’t be a secret.

“We do something with the pastry to make it stand out- you’d have to try it to understand.”

“Our recipe stems back 20 years- if you’ve not tried them already please give them a try.”

At the time of writing, Holland's Pies in Baxenden hasn't responded to Café Ri-An's Facebook post.