Are you a fan of all things pie-related? Is steak and ale the way to your heart? Or are you more of a chicken or cheese and onion-type? March 2 marks the start of British Pie Week celebrating our love of the humble pie (like we need an excuse…)
We’ve crunched and munched through the pastry layers to find the most hearty and traditional pies in town:
The Windmill, Mayfair
Many pubs might boast about their pie-loving credentials but The Windmill’s steak and kidney pie has won the National Pie Championship no less than three times. They also offer traditional favourites, such as fish pie, shepherd’s pie, chicken pie and vegetarian pie, which can be washed down with one of the nine real ales on tap. They also have a thriving pie club with thousands of members, where pies are debated and critiqued, there are pie tastings, news and recipes, so for die-hard pie-lovers, this has to be the top choice!
Old Bank of England, The City
This pub is housed in the former Law Courts branch of the Bank of England in the heart of the City and is known for the fact it is located on the top of the tunnels between the site of Sweeney Todd’s infamous barber shop and Mrs Lovett’s pie shop. Serving up an authentic taste of London, this pub specialises in handcrafted pies of all varieties and types. The fresh short-crust pastry is filled with a range of combinations and served alongside tasty mash and gravy.
M.Manze, London Bridge
London’s oldest pie and mash shop dubbed the “home of pie and mash” and originally established in 1902 is still going strong (and using the same ancient family recipes as back in the old days). Alongside pies, they serve up Cockney classics like jellied and stewed eels. They also have branches in Peckham and Sutton and offer both eat-in and takeaway options for customers.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The City
There has been a pub on this site since 1538 and the building is renowned for serving some of the greatest minds in literature, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and WB Yeats. Made up of dark passageways and rooms, the pub offers a selection of pastry-wrapped treats, including steak and ale pie and curry-lover’s pie, served with peas chips and gravy.
The perfect place to get your pie fix, Goddard’s serves a traditional meal of pie, mash and liquor, which can be traced back to the 1800s. All handmade Goddard family recipes, the menu includes minced beef pie, steak and kidney pie, steak and ale pie, chicken and mushroom pie, cheese and onion pie and chilli minced pie, served alongside your choice of liquor, gravy, mashed potato, baked beans or peas. There is also a range of delicious fruit pies and crumbles if you have any space left afterwards!
Are you a pie lover? Planning a pie date this National Pie Week?
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