Comedian bags dream job as Holland's pastry taster beating Greggs fan

Nina, who is from Lancashire, won out against a Greggs superfan from the North East, Barry Dodds, and she’ll now be tasting pies and feeding back before they’re launched to the public.

Applicants for the role were required to share a clever line on why they were the perfect candidate and the ultimate pastry lover to be considered.

The gauntlet was thrown down to Greggs superfans and pastry aficionados, alongside Holland’s Pies lovers, as the brand launched an exciting new series of pastry products to directly rival the well-known Greggs range.

Those that caught the attention of judges were then invited for interview, before the selected pastry superfans participated in a fun, friendly debate, where they had the chance to compare Holland's new offerings which include Sausage Rolls, Steak Bakes and Bacon & Cheese Wraps against Greggs’ classics.

Nina was selected for the debate after telling judges she comes from a family with “pastry in their DNA”, priding herself on “having a strong foundation, being finely engineered, never caving under stress and not giving up under pressure while always keeping hot until the final bite” – just like a Holland’s bake.

Meanwhile, Barry was chosen after revealing his grandfather worked in the original Greggs bakery while explaining how he “liked pastries like himself, Northern and no-nonsense”.

During the debate, not only did both participants sample the puffs and pastries, including the new Three Cheese Wraps, Sausage & Cheese Wraps and Sausage Rolls from Holland’s Pies, but they also competed to win bragging rights and a pastry taster job in the ultimate North West vs. North East showdown.

When she’s not devouring pastries, Nina spends her time on stage entertaining crowds as a respected comedian.

Learning about her new role, she said: "I’m so excited to become Holland’s Pies Pastry Taster! The debate was so much fun, especially telling a Greggs superfan why Holland’s was superior.

“Not only does it run in our blood, but the heritage and place it has on family tables across the North West makes it a truly special brand."

"Our new range of pastries has gone down a storm with shoppers across Tesco, Iceland and FarmFoods,” said Leanne Holcroft, Senior Brand Manager at Holland's Pies.

“People are clearly enjoying the true taste of pastry from the heart of Lancashire in the North West and our mission to prove that Holland’s Pies can compete and even win out against some well-loved Greggs’ classics has been a stunning success."