Danny's Days - 10th November 2025

This week we are firmly in Thanksgiving preparation territory. We have freshly grown organic pumpkins being washed, sliced and diced ready for our Pumpkin Pies. Like many of the Lidgate traditions, there is a story behind these pies. 

Most pumpkin pies are made with tinned pumpkin but over 30 years ago we were approached by a ponytailed American pumpkin, squash and sweet corn farmer in Oxfordshire named Greg. We partnered with him and started making the pies with his fresh pumpkins. We would do tastings in the shop, and 50 % of feedback was “these are fantastic, I’ll buy one” and 50% would be “these are the worst pumpkin pies I’ve ever tasted!” A bit bemused, we continued to buy pumpkins every year and continued to sell the pies. We used to give 6 pies to Greg the farmer every year which he thoroughly enjoyed so we thought we were on the right track. 

Then one Friday morning Greg bought me a sample of a pumpkin pie baked by a pastry chef he sold pumpkins to. Oh my, it was the smoothest, sweetest delicacy I had ever tasted. Greg arranged for the chef and I to visit his farm one Sunday and the chef taught me his secret recipe. From that day on, our Pumpkin Pies dramatically improved. The only thing we haven’t overcome is how to package such a fresh and delicate pie so that it can be sent nationwide - but in London they are thoroughly enjoyed by customers from all nationalities.

The very best wishes,

Danny