Melton Mowbray has been the spiritual home of the pork pie since the 18th century, its unique recipe earning Protected Geographical Indication status alongside Stilton cheese. The town centre retains a genuine market town character with independent butchers, cheese shops, and bakers selling local specialities. St Mary's Church, known as the "Queen of the Shires," is one of the finest parish churches in England. Melton is also renowned as a hunting centre, with several famous hunts meeting in the surrounding Leicestershire countryside.