Britain’s longest-serving Cornish pasty maker retiring after 60 years — and more than 15 million meaty treats
BRITAIN’S longest-serving Cornish pasty maker is retiring after 60 years — and more than 15 million of the treats.
Charlie Choak, 75, has been making pasties since he was five, when his mother taught him the perfect technique.
The much-loved local baker joined the family firm at 14 and took over the business from his parents 55 years ago.
He would crimp up to 1,200 pasties each day over a six-day week.
But he is finally shutting Choak’s Bakery in Falmouth, Cornwall, and selling the building to a developer — saying he has had enough.
Charlie, known locally as “Charlie Choak the pasty bloke”, said: “It would’ve been nice to carry the family business on, but no one will take it so I don’t have a choice.
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“Fingers crossed the sale goes through — I’m tired and I’ve had enough.”
He added: “Of course we make the best pasties in Cornwall. Without a doubt.”
He uses sage, onion, meat and rutabagas — a root vegetable similar to turnips.
But the pasty veteran refused to reveal his secret ingredient, which he says he will take to the grave.
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Charlie said: “The proper Cornish pasty is my favourite. They make funny ones now — vegetarian, vegan — they’re bloody awful.
“Now we’re closing, I don’t have much hope for Cornish pasties.
“Long may Choak’s famous pasties rest in peace.”
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The news was greeted with sadness on Facebook, with people saying they were “devastated”.
One local said: “My first job whilst at school. So sad to hear it’s closing. Charlie was a great boss.”
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