York's Best Pies: A Pastry Pilgrimage
My Quest for the Perfect Pie in York
Alright, listen up you hungry lot! You know I'm always banging on about the best places to eat in York, and it’s high time we had a proper chat about pies. Not just any old pie, mind you, but the kind of pies that make your taste buds sing and your heart swell with pure Yorkshire pride. I've been on a bit of a quest, a pastry pilgrimage if you will, to track down the best pies in the city. And let me tell you, it’s been a delicious journey.
Now, some people might think a pie is just a pie, a simple thing, a bit of pastry with some filling. But they'd be wrong! A proper pie is a work of art, a culinary masterpiece and it's a tradition that goes back to the Romans who in 43AD begin their conquest of the British Isles and brought along with them a few new dishes including one that involved the baking of meat and gravy in a pastry casing.
What Makes a Pie Great?
Well, it’s not just about the filling; it’s also about the pastry and the experience. Here’s what I look for in a great pie:
A Generous Filling: You don’t want a pie that’s more air than meat. A proper pie is packed to the brim.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: The best pies use local meat and produce. Just like Burgsy’s does with their burgers.
Good Gravy: A good pie has got to have good gravy, it’s the law.
Where to Find These Wonders in York?
Now, I've tried a few in my time, some good, some bad, and some that should be banned. But, here are some of the best ones I have found:
Restaurant
Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate: Based on my visit there last night I am putting their Steak & Ale Pie on the top of my list. Its not the cheapest option at £22.50 but for that you get a fantastic pub to eat it in along with pancetta, mushrooms, silverskin onions, a rich beer gravy and great mashed potato. You also have to wait 30 min because every pie is cooked to order, but that just means you have a bit of time for a beer before you tuck in.
Take away / Take home
Shambles Sausage & Pie Company: Based in the Shambles their pies are made fresh in the early hours of every morning you can pick form loads of delicious flavours including wild boar pie, pork and black pudding, and even Scotch pies.
The Hairy Fig: Head to Fossgate where these guys sell pies to bake at home or eat there and then, their flavours including spiced root vegetable and camembert pie, vegan pie, peppered steak and ale pie, and many more.
Little Arras: Head to Goodramgate because in addition to breads, tarts, pastries and cookies Little Arras bake daily a variety of ever changing pies from beef cheek and red wine, to Spanish-style lamb.
There’s nothing better than a proper pie on a cold day (or any day, if I'm honest). So, if you’re on the hunt for a decent pie (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then give these places a try. You can thank me later!
If you are coming to York in search of Pie and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
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This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
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Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
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Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
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