Best Pies In London For British Pie Week
British Pie Week (3rd-9th March) returns this week, and as if we needed an excuse to get stuck into one of Britain’s best-loved dishes, we’re taking it. London is packed with restaurants and pubs serving up the flakey, homely dish, but we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the very best in the capital.
From the classics like steak and ale to cheffy takes with wild combinations, check out our favourites here.
Claridges
Claridge’s Fish Pie is a showstopping signature at Claridge’s Restaurant, the art deco dining room in the heart of Mayfair. Designed to share and brimming with Scottish langoustine, cod, salmon, smoked haddock, it is the centrepiece for any special occasion. Culinary Director Simon Attridge introduces a distinctive twist: a touch of Noilly Prat vermouth, lending a subtle saline note. The langoustines are roasted and placed on top, crowning the pie with a final flourish.
where: Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
website: www.claridges.co.uk
The Game Bird
Renowned for its contemporary take on classic British cuisine, The Game Bird showcases the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The standout offering for British Pie Week is the decadent Stokes Marsh Farm beef and bone marrow pie. Made with aged beef fillet, sticky beef cheek, bone marrow, sweet onion, and horseradish, this indulgent pie is designed to be shared by two.
The Game Bird showcases the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
where: The Stafford, 16-18, St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NJ
website: www.thestafford.com
St. John
St. JOHN’s pies are an example of their pioneering, ingredient-led approach to British cookery. The pies are hearty, flavorful, and rooted in tradition.
Whether it’s a classic chicken and ox tongue pie or Ox cheek and pickled walnut, each is crafted with respect for the whole animal. The pastry is flaky yet sturdy enough to hold the generous fillings, soaking up their gravy.
where: 6 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
website: stjohnrestaurants.com
Camberwell Arms
Brought to you by the team behind Frank’s and Mike’s, The Camberwell Arms is the neighbourhood restaurant tucked inside a 19th-century pub. Offering informal service and seasonal, produce-first dishes, it’s the perfect place to head for a mid-week lunch or epic Sunday roast.
The interiors are simple and unfussy, with the restaurant really coming into its own through the food. On the pie front, their beef, ale and marrow number is a must – ideally paired with a pint of Guinness.
where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
website: www.thecamberwellarms.co.uk
The Pelican
A stunning Notting Hill Gastropub, The Pelican is extremely high quality. They are strongly conscious of sustainability and the importance of local produce and suppliers.
For pie week, they have a range of delicious, seasonal pies, including pumpkin, lobster and monkfish, chicken, ham and leek, and venison.
A stunning Notting Hill Gastropub, The Pelican is extremely high quality
where: 45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
website: www.thepelicanw11.com
Holborn Dining Rooms
Holborn Dining Rooms take their pies very seriously. First up, there’s the dedicated pie section on the a la carte menu with everything from curried mutton pie to classic chicken, girolle and tarragon to potato, comté and caramelised onion.
Then there’s the Pie Room – a whole room dedicated to the things. The pie love is the work of Executive Head Chef and pastry expert Calum Franklin, who’s created a treasure trove of beautifully handmade delicacies that can be bought to take away.
where: Holborn Dining Rooms, No. 252 High Holborn, London, United Kingdom WC1V 7EN
Website: www.holborndiningroom.com
The Jugged Hare
This buzzy restaurant-come-pub that sits on the edge of the Barbican Centre specialises in all things game and celebrates the best of British meats. Think everything from Longhorn steaks to wild venison and boar scotch eggs. But it’s their Pie of the Day that we’d happily go back for time and time again.
Flavours have included everything from Iron Age pork neck pie to Devonshire Kid goat shoulder, and they are sure to be celebrating British Pie Week properly this year. Word of warning: this isn’t an eatery for the faint of heart. The portions are hefty, and the menu is seriously meat-heavy.
WHERE: The Jugged Hare, 49 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4SA
WEBSITE: www.thejuggedhare.com
J.Sheekey
In the heart of Theatreland, you’ll find J.Sheekey, arguably London’s most famous fish and seafood restaurant.
Their classic pie has been on the menu for an age and is full to bursting with meaty chunks of white fish and salmon, a mustardy cheese sauce and finished off with a golden mash and breadcrumbed crust.
where: J.Sheekey, 28-32 St Martin’s Court, London WC2N 4AL
website: www.j-sheekey.co.uk
Indigo
New on the Indigo Spring Lunch menu, just in time for pie week, is a Cotswold chicken pie with heritage carrots and tarragon. Herby, fresh and delicious, this is a wonderful entry from those in One Aldwych.
Just in time for pie week, is a Cotswold chicken pie with heritage carrots and tarragon
where: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
website: www.onealdwych.co.uk
Donia
A modern Filipino restaurant that aims to reimagine Filipino flavours with seasonal ingredients and culinary techniques, it has become one of Soho’s hottest tables.
Their lamb shoulder caldereta pie is one of the best in London, offering a delicious twist on a classic staple.
where: Top Floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
website: www.doniarestaurant.co.uk
Quo Vadis
Soho favourite, Quo Vadis, have long been loved for their Pie of the Day. Ever changing with fillings including everything from duck to beef and chicken, the pies never disappoint, are full of rich flavour, amply hunks of meat and glistening stocks. Beats soup and a crusty roll any day.
where: Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean Street, London W1D 3LL
Website: www.quovadissoho.co.uk
