BRITAIN’S longest-serving Cornish pasty maker is retiring after 60 years — and more than 15 million of the treats.
Charlie Choak, 75, has been making pasties since he was five, when his mother taught him the perfect technique.
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The much-loved local baker joined the family firm at 14 and took over the business from his parents 55 years ago.
He would crimp up to 1,200 pasties each day over a six-day week.
But he is finally shutting Choak’s Bakery in Falmouth, Cornwall, and selling the building to a developer — saying he has had enough.
Charlie, known locally as “Charlie Choak the pasty bloke”, said: “It would’ve been nice to carry the family business on, but no one will take it so I don’t have a choice.
“Fingers crossed the sale goes through — I’m tired and I’ve had enough.”
He added: “Of course we make the best pasties in Cornwall. Without a doubt.”
He uses sage, onion, meat and rutabagas — a root vegetable similar to turnips.
But the pasty veteran refused to reveal his secret ingredient, which he says he will take to the grave.
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Charlie said: “The proper Cornish pasty is my favourite. They make funny ones now — vegetarian, vegan — they’re bloody awful.
“Now we’re closing, I don’t have much hope for Cornish pasties.
“Long may Choak’s famous pasties rest in peace.”
The news was greeted with sadness on Facebook, with people saying they were “devastated”.
One local said: “My first job whilst at school. So sad to hear it’s closing. Charlie was a great boss.”
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