Paul’s Pies has announced two new contracts with the mid-counties Co-operative and Waitrose.

The deal with Co-op sees three pies launched in 14 mid-counties stores last week: steak & Guinness, venison & mushroom, and chicken & mushroom.

According to founder Paul Sykes, the contract is ongoing, with potential for expansion into other stores, depending on sales.

Stores include: Cinderford, Gloucestershire; Coleford, Gloucestershire; Carterton, Oxfordshire; Grove,  Oxfordshire; Lydney, Gloucestershire; Botley, Hampshire; Chinnor, Oxfordshire; Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire; Headington, Oxfordshire; Summertown, Oxfordshire; Thame, Oxfordshire; Brewery Street, Highworth, Wiltshire; Cavendish Square, Swindon, Wiltshire; and Old Town/Newport St, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Last week also saw Paul’s Pies enter the Waitrose Leckford Farm Shop, Hampshire. The entire range is sold in the shop, as well as four pies in the restaurant as part of its winter menu: steak & Guinness, Homity, chicken & mushroom and the new Christmas pie. The latter contains turkey, bacon, double cream, onion, chestnut stuffing, and a cranberry sauce.

Commenting on the contracts, Sykes said: “I am absolutely delighted to have my pies stocked in Leckford, The Waitrose Farm Shop and mid-counties Co-op stores. Seeing the pies on the shelves is a fantastic feeling and makes all of the dedication and hard work, more than worth it.”

Founded in spring 2011, Sykes started in his home kitchen making 28 pies on the first day. By August he had won two Taste of the West awards, before moving into a commercial kitchen in a 200-year-old National Trust building in Coleshill, Oxfordshire.