The box that these come in is a promising start. Classy, semi-glossy red cardboard, with a holly design that has gold highlights. Two transparent windows sit in a frame effect, with a product photo having pride of place in the centre.
The inner wrapper proclaims that these are from the Signature Collection, with a posh ‘K’, which I’m presuming is how Mr Kipling signs his autographs. The pies are decent-looking, with a consistent crumble topping on each, and very few crumbs in the tray.
Go to open them, and the trays are a pretty maroon colour on the outside. All the preparations and presentations are first rate… but then you bite in. The crumble top gives way too easily, more reminiscent of slightly stale cereal than a crumble, and the filling is lacklustre, lacking a real punch. I’d hoped for a rich, sugary custard, and a tang of winter fruit, but it was a bit like insipid baby food instead. Very disappointing. No-one else wanted to try these…
Packaging – 9
Appearance – 9
Filling – 3
Taste – 3
Overall score 24/40