Banks, who runs The Black Swan at Oldstead and Roots in York, both of which hold a Michelin star, said in an Instagram update that the van had been found by police with fake plates.
The pies, which Banks had planned to sell at a Christmas market in York under his Tommy’s Pie Shop brand, were still in the van, but had also been damaged and not refrigerated so will also be written off.
“Not the ending to this story I was hoping for,” said Banks, who had initially tried to encourage the thieves to drop the pies off at a food shelter in order to avoid them being wasted.
“Just want to say a huge thank you to all the well-wishers and businesses who have offered to help us at Tommy’s Pie Shop and a massive thank you to all the team who are working so hard to restock.
“I encourage everyone to keep things as safe as possible there is a lot of similar crime happening at the moment unfortunately.
“Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive period.”
