In Britain, there is no denying that we love a good pie! Whether you are looking for a hearty warming pie to warm your cockles on a winter’s day or want a lighter pie for a light al fresco lunch in summer, we’ve got all the classic British pie flavours that will keep you coming back for more, whatever the season.
The humble pie - where did it all begin?
Meat pies originated during the Neolithic period and were a sweet variety, made from oat, wheat, rye, and barley and then filled with honey before baking. The first meat pies may have originated in Greece, where water and flour were combined to create the pastry and then filled with meat and cooked. The recipe was adapted slightly, with fats added to make a stiff crust to hold chunks of meat and sauce. The pastry element was called a “coffin” or “coffyn.” It was not meant for consumption, instead used as a utensil to hold the filling, which was then thrown away after consumption or possibly given to servants after the lords and ladies of the house had had their fill.
While we consider the pie to be a classic British dish, it was, in fact, the French and Italians who refined the pastry recipe by adding butter and rolling and folding the dough to make a more appetising version.
It is thought the average Brit will consume over 2160 pies in their lifetime! So it’s fair to say that pies are a firm staple on most British menus. You’ll likely see pie as an option where hearty British fare is prevalent, like in pubs. However, many fine-dining restaurants with a British menu are also cottoning on to the fact that we Brits love a pie and are increasingly likely to have it on their menus too.
Regardless of whether you are eating out or staying in, it’s good to know what your options are. So let’s explore some of the best British pies we’re offering you right now.
Classic British pies you can buy today!
Chip shop chicken curry pie
A chip shop chicken curry pie can be just what the doctor ordered on a chilly evening. Ours is jam-packed with tender chunks of free-range chicken, swimming in a mild, sweet, tangy curry sauce, which perfectly complements the butter-rich pastry that’s holding everything together.
Cheese and onion pie
Famous British cheeses come together in this melt-in-your-mouth pie that can be eaten at any time of day! Tangy cheese, perfectly cooked onions, a sprinkling of chives and a glut of local cider are what make ours a cut above the rest!
Steak and ale pie
Steak and ale pie is a traditional British dish where a perfectly cooked pastry shell is filled to the rafters with tender slow-cooked steak, gravy and various vegetables. The early versions of this British staple were first recorded in the 18th century, where a beefsteak pudding was combined with suet. Steak pies are one of the most popular pie fillings today and are commonly served on New Year’s Eve in Scotland.
Steak and kidney pie
The steak and kidney pie is another classic British dish and a great option for meat-lovers everywhere. If you want one that’s been lovingly handcrafted and is full of tender chunks of hand-cut steak and ox kidney, simmered in a rich red wine sauce, and encased in a butter-rich pastry, why not try the offering from Mud Foods?
Chicken and mushroom pie
Chicken and mushroom pie is another classic British pie and is undoubtedly one of the most popular types of savoury pie, served in pubs, restaurants, and takeaway shops across the country. Chicken pot pie originated from Greece, where cooked meat would be served in open pastry shells called “Artocreas”. We can thank the Romans for the addition of the top crust that turned chicken pot pie into the version we know and love today.
Game pie
Game pie is a traditional British dish where the lovingly-crafted, buttery pastry shell is packed with a sumptuous, rich gravy and slow-cooked game meat. This particular version of the pie is thought to have increased in popularity during the 16th century, when pies were filled with whatever meat was most readily available, including pigeons and even blackbirds. Our contemporary version contains venison, partridge and pheasant. British game season usually runs through autumn and winter, so this is usually seen on menus during the winter months.
British pie classics - what will you buy?
If you are looking for a traditional British dish, you couldn’t get much better than a fantastic pie. These classic flavours will give you an authentic taste of the best of British cuisine, but with so many to choose from, you might find it tough to decide! At Mud Foods, we are passionate about pies and use only the finest quality, locally-sourced ingredients, so it’s no wonder our pies win awards year after year! Browse our range and pick up your perfect pie today.
