Hamilton’s Double Duck Smokehouse and BBQ have claimed the title for Newcastle’s Weekly’s best pie.
The recognition marks a big step for the small team, who has built a loyal following through its slow-cooked brisket and smoky flavour packed pies.
For owners Sheldon Black and Tyler Priestley, the win came as a complete surprise.
“Honestly, we were over the moon,” Sheldon said.
“We didn’t expect it,” Tyler said.
“We’re not bakers by trade, we just wanted to make really good food, and somehow, we’ve ended up here.”
The pair has always served slow-cooked brisket and barbeque meats since COVID; however, now have expanded to pies.
What began as a way to fill the front display has now become a customer must-have.
“Our gravy starts with a stock that takes over 10 hours to make,” Sheldon explains.
“We only make four kinds of pies, all brisket-based, and we’ve stayed consistent with that.
“I think that’s why people keep coming back.”
The brisket, bacon and cheese pie remains a crowd favourite, with the brisket, jalapeno and cheese a close second.
Both are packed with tender meat, rich gravy and an unmistakeable smoky flavour.
Tyler, a former carpenter, says stepping into hospitality has been a rewarding challenge.
“I learned everything on the fly,” he says.
“It’s been watching Sheldon, a few mates who are chefs, and just going through trial and error.
“I love giving people the best food we can.”
Inside the Hamilton shop, there is always good music playing, the smell of smoked brisket and, of course, Sheldon’s southern charm.
“We’ve got a loyal group of regulars who make it all worthwhile,” Sheldon said.
Looking ahead, the team isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Double Duck plans to start making its own pie shells and moving into wholesale, supplying their respected pies to interested cafés, pubs, and restaurants across the Hunter.
“We haven’t even scratched the surface yet,” Sheldon said.
“Next year’s going to be huge for us.”
If you haven’t already tried Newcastle’s best pies, pop by Double Duck Smokehouse, grab a brisket pie, and see what all the fuss is about.
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