A Taste of Tradition: British Meat Pies and Which Sides to Serve Them With

For centuries, meat pies have been a cornerstone of British cuisine. Far from being just a simple dish, a savoury British pie is a rich piece of history and the ultimate comfort food. 


The History of the Great British Pie

The story of the British pie is a long one, dating back to Roman times, but it truly came into its own during the medieval era. Back then, the crust was often a thick, inedible shell designed simply to preserve the filling during long journeys. It was a portable, nutritious meal perfect for travelers and soldiers. Over time, the crust became lighter, flakier, and, most importantly, edible. 

Today, the pie is more popular than ever and continues to evolve and be a true staple in British cuisine and a quintessential item on a pub menu.

In fact, British pies are so well loved we have a whole week dedicated to them! National British Pie Week takes place annually in March and is the perfect time to treat yourself to a taste of home. 


What Makes a British Pie Different

We wrote about it in this separate article >> What Makes a British Pie Different


The Best British Pies

Our delicious meat pies are made to our artisanal recipes, and are a testament to the most popular flavours of British pies. They transport you to a lovely country kitchen or a proper British pub.

Steak & Ale Pie - Perhaps the quintessential British meat pie; robust, warming, and best enjoyed on a cold evening. Prime cuts of steak cooked in a rich, full-bodied ale until perfectly tender. The ale deepens the gravy into something dark, glossy, and deeply savoury pie. A bestseller for good reason. 

Steak & Mushroom Pie - Understated but quietly one of the most satisfying pies you'll ever try. Prime cuts of steak combined with freshly chopped mushrooms and fragrant sage in a deeply flavoured gravy. The mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the beef beautifully, while the sage brings a gentle herbal warmth that lifts the whole filling. 

Steak & Kidney Pie - Possibly the most unique and iconic of all British meat pies. Prime cuts of steak paired with beef kidney in a thick, dark, intensely savoury gravy. It's a bold, old-school combination that has graced British tables for generations. Not for the faint-hearted, but for those who try it, there's no going back.

Chicken Curry Pie - Tender chicken with potatoes, tomatoes, and red pepper in a medium curry sauce, all wrapped in golden shortcrust pastry. It's the perfect marriage of two great British comfort foods.

Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pie - Prime cuts of chicken with diced smoked bacon and plenty of sweet, softened leeks in a creamy sauce. The bacon adds a gentle smokiness, the leeks melt into the filling and bring a mild sweetness, and the chicken ties it all together into something comforting and deeply homely.


What is The Best Side For a British Meat Pie?

The beauty of a British meat pie lies in its versatility. While they are a complete meal on their own, the right accompaniments can elevate your pie to a feast.

If you’re wondering what sides to have with a British meat pie, simply use our special system to build your perfect plate:

But what makes pies so great is that they can be served just as they are, by themself.

Pies are a staple at football and rugby matches as a quick half-time snack - no cutlery, no sides, just pie. 

Disagree? Why not join our Facebook community and share your opinion!


Order British Pies in the US

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, such as National Pie Week or Pi Day 3/14, or simply craving a taste of home, a traditional British pie is the perfect choice.

Explore our selection of authentic British pies and bring this timeless tradition to your table today!