Voakes Free From

Voakes Free From, gluten-free and wheat-free savoury pastry

Voakes Free From is the gluten-free and wheat-free range from Voakes Pies, made with the same pork and other meats that the parent company uses in its traditional products. The range was born out of the coeliac diagnosis of Laura, partner of Nick Voakes, son of pie maker Andrew Voakes, with the aim of ensuring she could continue to eat the family's pies. Nick and Laura developed the project and work continuously on expanding the range.

Products and production

The range is organised into pies, pastries, quiches and specialities, with specific items for lactose-free, soya-free, vegetarian and vegan diets. The company states that all its products are gluten-free and wheat-free, supplied freshly baked and ready to eat, and suitable for home freezing, with the exception of the scotch eggs. The vegetarian line includes four vegan products.

The meat comes from the family's own pig herd, bred exclusively at Whixley Grange, and only select cuts and carefully chosen ingredients are used. The Voakes Free From production unit is for exclusive use and is designed as a dedicated gluten-free and wheat-free environment, which allows specific quality control to be maintained for these products.

Online shopping and delivery

The online shop allows customers to buy the products with a delivery cost of £5.95 and a minimum order of £20 for UK mainland. In December the minimum delivery value is £30. The company states that it cannot deliver to the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Orders are baked and dispatched according to the delivery schedule published by the company, via next-day courier and temperature-controlled packaging. Customers can leave instructions for the driver when placing the order if they will not be in to receive it. The products arrive baked and ready to eat, and can be frozen on receipt, except for the scotch eggs.

Collection at farmers' markets

As well as online, products can be ordered for collection from the Voakes Pies stand at various farmers' markets. The points and dates indicated are: first Saturday at Thirsk Auction Mart (Fur & Feather); second Thursday at Harrogate, Cambridge Street; third Wednesday at Easingwold, in the market place; third Saturday at Selby, Market Place, near the cathedral; fourth Saturday at Baildon, Ian Clough car park; and last Sunday at Otley, market place. Orders for collection are placed by email or by phone.

Company structure

The business operates under the company Voakes Free From Limited, based at Whixley Grange, Whixley (York). The company operates from its own production unit, separate from that of Voakes Pies, which reinforces the separation of the processes with and without gluten.

Location and contact

Whixley Grange, Whixley, York YO26 8AY · Telephone: 01423 395511 · Email: info@voakesfreefrom.co.uk