Who Ate All The Pies? Celebrating #BritishPieWeek
Pies, Pies, Pies
Folk of Britain have been eating and filling pies since medieval times though nowadays we tend to shy away from the likes of peacock and swan, unless you want to end up in the tower that is and you may not be so keen on eels and innards!
Over the years cracking regional variations of ‘pies’ have developed such as the Bedforshdire Clanger, Lancashire Butter Pies, Fidget Pies from The Midlands, Gloucestershire Muggety Pie (if you’re brave enough!), Rook Pies from those crazy guys in Somerset (see image for recipe), the ubiquitous Scotch Pie and of course the hand raised pie we all know and love from Melton Mowbray, the revered Pork Pie. We even have our own World Pie Eating Contest, the current holder from Adlington in Lancashire having demolished the competition pie in 23.53 seconds!
Surrey Pies
What of local Surrey Pies? The Downs around Epsom and Banstead were long famous for the sheep raised there producing a flavoursome meat fragrant of the herbs and grass they grazed on, hence Surrey Lamb Pie. There is also an open pie called a churdle. A type of pasty made by piling a circle of paste with a chopped mixture of cooked liver, bacon, and herbs (sometimes with apple or mushrooms) topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Local Chef Maxwell McKenzie has a penchant for pies too and when asked for a pie recipe Max chose Chicken & Snail Pie. Chicken pie has a familiar sound but Chicken & Snail Pie? You can download Max’s recipe here. Don’t know where to forage for snails? Just ask a good deli or you can always buy them online. Delicious.
I Want to Buy a Pie
If you’ve not got time to roll up your sleeves and had raise a pie with a dolly, there are some great pie companies around. Check out Higgidy Pies such as British Beef, Stilton & Sussex Ale Pie, one of my favourite pie companies Adams & Harlow and the wonderful Pieminister, where this week you can win Pies & Surprises in honour of British Pie Week.
I Want to Eat a Pie
If that still seems like an effort you can toddle along to local pubs below who are supporting British Pie Week, with special pies on their menus.
The Bulls Head – – 55 High Street, Reigate – @BullsHeadSurrey
“This lovely little historic pub has been around since 1628 making it one of the oldest public houses in Reigate”
The Bull will have various pies on the specials board throughout the week.
The Market Stores – 2 High Street, Reigate – @MarketReigate
“Situated at the top of Reigate High Street, we’re among the best stocked bars in Surrey, Traditional bar snacks downstairs, plus a mouth-watering menu”
The Market Stores will have a pie for 2 on as well as a pie of the day and they might throw in a pint of London finest!
The Dog and Duck – Outwood, near Redhill – @dogduckoutwood
“Set in the village of Outwood, and a short hop from Gatwick airport The Dog and Duck boasts crackling fires, traditional cask ales and great home cooked food. It’s the perfect spot to visit.”
The Dog & Duck will be doing a different pie each day
The Roe Deer – 50 Croydon Road, Reigate – @ThierryNutkins
“Nestled on the outskirts of Reigate, Surrey is The Roe Deer. A pub where you can relax, have fun and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.”
The Roe Deer will be offering ‘Pie & a Pint’ all week announcing the special pie each day.
