Stolen Pie Van of Michelin-Starred Chef Tommy Banks Found, But All 2,500 Pies Are Ruined!

In a bizarre turn of events, a van containing an astonishing 2,500 pies made by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks has been recovered by police—but unfortunately, the precious pastries have been lost forever. The van, which was set to make a delivery to York Christmas Market, was reported missing after being stolen from a Melmerby business park near Ripon.

The incident occurred on a Sunday night, with the refrigerated Fiat Ducato van, valued at £25,000, discovered abandoned in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough. Tragically, by the time law enforcement located the vehicle, it had sustained significant damage and was fitted with false number plates.

Chef Banks expressed his disappointment, stating that the vehicle was likely a total loss and revealed that the unpreserved pies, having been left without refrigeration, were equally unsalvageable. "It's such a shame to see a tonne of food going to waste—it's just rubbish," he lamented, highlighting the extensive effort involved in creating such culinary delights.

The lost pies represented a full week's worth of stock for Banks, who has managed to keep his restaurant business afloat despite the setback. "A van is a van, but the amount of work that goes into making these pies is huge," he emphasized.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the recovery of the van took place on Friday, although the theft wasn't reported until the following Monday. They further disclosed that forensics have been conducted on the vehicle, and an investigation into the theft is currently underway.

"We’re pleased that the owner has been reunited with his van, but we are just as saddened by the loss of the delicious pies," a police spokesperson commented.

This remarkable incident has stirred emotions throughout the culinary community and beyond, reminding us all of the unforeseen challenges that chefs can face. Stay tuned for updates on this story and further developments in the police investigation!