PASTY MY BEST

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. 

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Charlie Choak would crimp up to 1,200 pasties each day over a six-day weekCredit: SWNS

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.”

The news was greeted with sadness on Facebook, with people saying they were “devastated”.

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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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