Looking for the best pies in every UK region? Pies are all the rage in Britain and each region of the country has its own delicious specialties. There is something for everyone with a taste for pies, from rich pork pies to hearty steak pies, creamy fish pies to creative vegan pies.
Here are some of the best places to eat some of the best pies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From an old fashioned pie with mash and gravy to a contemporary pie served at a chic restaurant, these regional specialties can help make your next food trip in the UK even better.
In search of pie perfection?
The UK offers a wide array of fantastic pies, and many of these are perfect to eat on the go, stuffed in your hand on the way to a pub where you can pile a load of buttery mash with your pie as a side. Here's our pick of the UK's best in every area – all of the official nine regions of England plus Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Any local pie shops make the cut?
West Midlands: Ludlow Farm Shop, Ludlow, Shropshire
Combine farming, the food made, and a place to shop, and you have the Ludlow Farm Shop: undoubtedly one of Britain's premier food destinations. Wonderful produce made and served on-site, anything from artesian cheese to cracking chutneys but the real heart of the shop lies within the bakery.
Beside sourdough breads and glorious cakes sit some of the area’s best pies – most packed full of fresh, from the farm produce. Try their award-winning venison and redcurrant pie, or maybe the roast vegetable and Lady Halton Smoked Cheese pies which the shop makes using only that product, Ludlow Farm Shop's finest and very tasty Lady Halton Smoked Cheese.
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Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Chambers Butchers
Chambers of Nottingham clearly shows how pork pies do not have to be from Melton Mowbray to take the title. Winning butchers, now on its sixth generation of owners with business founded in 1889, won a winning Best Pork Pie at the British Pie Awards 2024 where they gained full marks for their thickly meaty filling from natural ingredients.
From the shop's same butchery, you find their Charcoal Ploughman's Pie, which is a brilliant union of first-class pork, cheese and pickle with mustard, ginger, turmeric and chili.
East Midlands: The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Fish & Chip Shop Pie There is absolutely nothing else in the world that perfectly accompanies a plate brimming with hot, crispy potatoes and one generous dollop of the mushiest peas. The Cod's Scallops Nottingham isn’t only one of the highest-rated takeaways; it also proudly serves arguably the best pies you'll ever come across in a fish & chip shop.
Opt for the cheesy potato & onion version, which combines strong mature farmhouse cheddar with roasted onions, a delightful potato topping, and a zesty kick of coarse grain mustard you definitely won’t regret your choice. The beef and ale pie, along with the chicken, ham, and leek pie from The Cod’s Scallops Nottingham, also hit the mark beautifully when paired with your hand-cut chips and rich sauce.
North East & Cumbria: The Redhouse, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
There is not much to compare to a pint of real ale and pie and mash in front of a log fire. The Redhouse-a lovely Gade II listed pub-is another one of Newcastle’s darlings and boasts a real cosy feel with exposed wooden beams and more corners to wedge yourself into than you know what to do with.
A strong customer base clearly flocks here specifically for the fantastic pies which you can compile to your wishes-you choose your pie, one of seven types of potato side (e.g. Roast potatoes to confit garlic mash), one of four varieties of pea side (the pease pudding is a must-try) and one of five sauces.
Yorkshire & the Humber: Pie minister, Leeds, West Yorkshire
With locations all over the country, Pie minister is, needless to say, rather well established but the flagship in Leeds is a bit special. Two storeys high and overlooking the Corn Exchange, you'll find everything you expect, only better - we’re talking pies, cocktails, ice cream sundaes.
You’ll also find vegetarian and vegan pies, all of which can be made gluten-free. On top of that, you can ’stack’ yours with a skewer of courgette fritters, onion rings or halloumi for an instant upgrade.
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London: Holborn Dining Room, Holborn
Holborn Dining Room gives the pie a surprisingly haute couture feel. In a chandelier-lit, well-upscale room, diners laud this famous range for the stunning complexity of its pies, not forgetting the amazing quality of ingredients inside too.
From the menu selection, stand-out choices include the Dauphinoise potato pie with its delicious bubbling and molten Comté and sweet caramelised onion combination in a parsley sauce or the utterly sensational salmon, octopus and saffron fish pie with an amazing bisque. Additionally, don’t miss The Pie Hole - an easy takeaway street-side hatch for tasty pies on the go.
South West: Cheltenham The Suffolk Arms
This gleaming gastropub, situated in a Grade II-listed converted Georgian home, has established itself as an institution among followers who adore its sensational 'pie flight', which features three small pies (classic steak; chicken and mushroom; potato and leek) accompanied by a jug of homemade gravy, or patrons can choose one of their two changing specials—at least one of which consistently delights with a whimsical, entirely vegan creation.
FAQs
1. What are the best pies in the UK?
The UK has many excellent pies, including pork pies, steak and ale pies, fish pies, chicken pies and vegetable pies.
2. Which UK region is famous for pork pies?
The East Midlands is especially famous for pork pies, with Melton Mowbray being one of the best-known places for this British classic.
3. Where can you find vegetarian pies in the UK?
Many modern pie shops and restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Pie restaurants such as Pieminister are known for providing meat-free options.
4. What should you eat with a traditional British pie?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, mushy peas, vegetables and rich gravy.
5. Is a UK pie food trip worth trying?
Yes. A pie-focused food trip is a fun way to explore Britain's regional food culture while trying different recipes, fillings and local ingredients.
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