A chef who travelled the world cooking for rock stars and a London bar owner are the unlikely pair behind one of the South West's biggest food phenomena of recent years.

Brothers-in-law Jon Simon and Tristan Hogg, pictured, formed Pieminister in 2002, Tristan having been inspired by the tasty and well-made pies he had eaten while travelling around Australia. Jon also knew a thing or two about good food, having owned bars in London.

Pieminister was launched to instant success in 2003 in a former print works in Bristol and after much trial and error with ingredients and baking.

Pieminister pies are still made by hand in Bristol using the freshest and most local ingredients available and without additives or enhancers – although the kitchens have now moved to a larger site.

Pieminister now has two shops in Bristol and outlets in London, Oxford, and Trentham, near Stoke-on-Trent, while its Piemobile touring pie kitchen has become a familiar sight on the UK festival circuit.

It also sells to some of the UK's finest food halls and delis, including Harvey Nichols and Wholefoods in London.

Sainsbury's recently joined Waitrose as a stockist, a move expected to help take turnover through the £5 million mark this year.

What makes Pieminister a Challenger business? A total understanding of its market place, a strong niche brand and a serious environmental policy.