Pie blogger Rob Spurling kicks of National Pie Week 2019 today by sharing the whereabouts of Birmingham’s tastiest pies.
For those who don’t already know, today marks the start of British Pie Week, seven glorious days dedicated to our favourite parcels of pastry. Whether meat, sweet or without the wheat, pies are part of life’s rich tapestry in Britain. Student System Officer and Pierate blogger Rob Spurling has tasked himself with traveling up and down the country in his spare time to eat and rate our nation’s pies.
If you’re not sure where to go at lunchtime to mark British Pie Week with the respect it’s due, Rob has shared his top three pie shops in the city.
1. Pieminister on Waterloo Street
Opened on Waterloo Street by Victoria Square last summer, the Pieminister chain has been a great new addition to the pie scene in Birmingham. I’ve had many a great pie in the shop since it opened, enjoyed a Birmingham pie night there during the last year’s British Pie Week and look forward to returning this week for British Pie Week 2019.
I have reviewed almost 20 pies from Pieminister and they have nearly all been Pierate Recommended or Pierate Highly Recommended, with scores of 5/7 or higher for most of them and a top score of 6.42/7 for their Beef and Brandy pie. The most consistent and highly-rated pie shop in Birmingham.
Pictured: Pieminister steak pie
2. The Stable on John Bright Street
The marketing of the Stable near New Street Station focuses on three things: pizza, pies and cider. While friends of mine have thoroughly enjoyed their pizza and cider, I can confirm that the pies rated very well indeed. They scored a fantastic 5.96/7 for the "Steak Out" beef pie, which was packed with great content; a nice flavoursome filling of steak and vegetables. The pastry was crisp, but not overly thick. Definitely worth an outing.
Pictured: The Stable Beef Pie
3. The Botanist on Temple Street
Tucked away on a side street just off New Street, the Botanist has a relaxed vibe and some top pies to match. There are some quirky elements to the restaurant, such as food served on trowels and drinks poured from mini watering cans, but the most important thing for me is that the pies are packed to capacity with good quality filling. The highest rated was their Chicken and Chorizo pie, which rated at 5.5/7.
Pictured: the Botanist Chicken and Chorizo Pie
Best of the rest
It's also worth noting that we have had some top pies at the Old Joint Stock by Birmingham Cathedral, which is a Fullers Pie and Ale House, as well as some quirky pies at The Pie Factory pub in Tipton. Check out the Pierate blog now.
