Belfast-based company Jolly Pies is looking to expand its retail offering after a successful season at Ulster rugby club.

Following the launch of the company’s pie wagon inside the club’s grounds last September, James McAllister, managing director, told British Baker that the venture has generated strong interest in the business.

This has included receiving orders from caterers at London Irish Rugby Football Club in Reading, England.

“We are in a really good place for people to see our products, and we’ve had emails asking where people can find them,” McAllister said.

Handmade pies available from the van include steak & stout, steak & Castle Blue cheese, chicken, leek & tarragon, chicken & ham hock, roast butternut squash, red pepper & goat’s cheese, and pork, apple & red cabbage.

Aside from rugby, McAllister added that Jolly Pies would be looking to sell its products at horseracing events, as well as music festivals over the summer.

Jolly Pies was founded in 2013 by James McAllister and Stephen McComb, starting at Saint George’s Market, Belfast.

It now supplies Northern Ireland delis, food halls, farm shops, pubs and cafés.