Fringe Society launch a local business directory - with a little help from their friends

Juggling the finances of a local business, particularly a hospitality business, is not always easy, but Piemaker is helping The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as well as continuing to produce its range of pies.

The Fringe Society have been greatly helped in the launch of their new directory for local businesses, by a considerable donation from the owner of local Edinburgh business, Piemaker’s Fiona Venter.

The pie business celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and Fiona said she is happy to be supporting the Fringe Society at this important time – and the Street Performers who have a pitch on The Royal Mile outside the Fringe office who will also benefit from her financial contribution.

Local businesses have advertised in the publication which is both a physical map and is also online. (There may be just a couple of spaces left if you hurry, but no promises.) But Piemaker contributed sufficient funds to pay for the printing of the directory. And after the production costs are met the donation will contribute to the Street Events section of the Fringe programme to ensure they can continue to take place.

Fiona, whose late husband Johan started up the business in 1995, said: “I heard that Johnnie Walker had pulled out of sponsoring the Fringe and I thought it was catastrophic. I then thought about how much we depend on the Fringe for our business. We had come through two years of Covid, no Fringe, and all of that had a devastating impact.

“I was thinking of all the small businesses particularly on the Royal Mile which is packed with people during the Fringe. You can’t walk down the road for people shopping or eating. And I thought that we should be doing something to support them. This is a big sponsorship for me but we have always had a very close relationship with Fringe performers because we’re open until 3 in the morning so after late shows they can pop in her for an affordable, tasty amazing pie!

“What I am getting out of this deal is that we have launched a new website which enables click and collect – ideally suited to busy performers. If there is a large group they can go online to order and ping collect the order whenever they are ready. We are offering Fringe performers a discount and this is extended to Friends of the Fringe – so it is the one way of us growing our trade in August. If we can manage baking pies to order then it’s a win win.

“My sponsorship will pay for the printing of the map and for street performers and I am a kind of spokesperson for local businesses who might then book advertising in smaller amounts. I am happy to be that – an encourager!”

CLICK AND COLLECT with Piemaker here

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society said: “This partnership does two things- one it really helps complete the experience of people who come to Edinburgh and experience or participate in the Fringe. It puts something in the way of that experience which is genuinely adding value for them. It’s all part of being in an amazing city. And more and more, I think, consumers are seeking out those opportunities to support local businesses, to taste something that’s authentically part of the city that they’re in.

“Secondly for us as the Fringe Society, it develops these partnerships with local businesses, with businesses that have their roots in Edinburgh. We are always looking for ways that we can work with them to support their business, to help grow their businesses, and help them make a mark in an increasingly competitive and complex marketplace. So it is an absolute joy to have this kind of partnership because it ticks all of those boxes.”

And asked for their favourite pies Fiona is clearly in prime position as she has tried the full range. Her personal favourite is the Pepper Steak which is one of the original special recipe pies dating from the time that Johan (also a South African like Tony Lankester) set up the business.

Tony is still a bit new in town but hankers after trying a bit of haggis pie – and has decided that “the steak and ale pie is the one for me. I’m a meat eater and that is what I really enjoy. But the one I am really looking forward to discovering is the macaroni pie because I am told that is an amazing experience.”

And of course there are vegan and vegetarian options!

Super Scott was too busy juggling the pies and sausage rolls to express any preference…But ask him when you see him. He is on the High Street most days.

CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Tony Lankester seals the deal with Fiona Venter owner of Piemaker while Super Scott juggles the hot sausage rolls…

CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Tony Lankester seals the deal with Fiona Venter owner of Piemaker while Super Scott juggles the hot pies…