Live and eat pie: where to get the best pies in Manchester

The best pies in Manchester are a flaky bunch. While some uphold traditional techniques that would make your nan proud, others have taken classic flavours to the next level with creative, vegan and even boozy additions. The combination of filling and buttery crust make these pies the perfect comfort food indulgence.

Here’s a list of the best places to enjoy them, just in time for British Pie Week (6th-12th March). Those who are about to eat pie, we salute you.

Pie and Ale

The pastry here is flaky and the flavour combinations are second to none. The menu is choc full of classics like steak and ale and cheese and onion as well as some more exotic specialities like the vegan butternut squash and kale served in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. They also have a snazzy specials board which has been known to offer up more fare such as exotic crocodile and even zebra pies. From £8.95.
pieandale.com

Pieminster

Classics with a gourmet twist from Moo and Blue to Deer Stalker. Choose from British beef steak and Long Clawson stilton to tender venison, smoked bacon and red wine. There’s  a selection of vegetarian options for anyone who wants to steer clear of meat. Saag Pie-neer, is a firm foodie favourite made up of paneer, potato, chilli and mango or the Wild Shroom which is wild mushroom, asparagus and white wine. If you fancy a lighter bite, there are plenty of open-top pies like the Mighty Aphrodite that will hit the spot. From £4.20.
www.pieminister.co.uk

Sam’s Chop House

Since opening in 1872, this spot has been serving up the best of British comfort food in a cosy rustic-style setting. The fish pie is nothing short of gorgeous, with the North Sea fish, salmon, seawater prawns and parsley all baked together with mashed potato and sprinkled with Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese. The Lancashire Cheese and Onion Pie and Steak and Kidney are also top notch. Only problem is this place fills up quickly so it’s worth calling ahead of time to reserve a table. From £14.
samschophouse.com

Pi

This Chorlton pie company serves up buttery pies aplenty with a selection of top notch ale and craft beer to wash it down with. Before Pieminster opened its joint in the city, this was the place to get your fix. If you live south of the city and don’t fancy the trek to the Northern Quarter, head to the original bar in Chorlton or sister site in Altrincham. From £4.75.

Robinsons Bakery

If you’re hankering for a buttery crust melt in the mouth pork pie, there’s really no other option. Robinsons Bakery have a food stall at the Piccadilly Gardens street food market every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Get yourself down this week and tell them we sent you. From £5.

Great Northern Pie Co

This award-winning pie company is a perfect example of how we do things up north. The pies are lovingly hand-made in Wilmslow with plenty of butter for a fantastically flakey crust. They’ve developed a loyal following and have even started brewing their own beer and making their own cheese so the fillings are heartier than ever and 100% homemade. Head down to the stall in Altrincham’s Market House to secure your dinner. From £5.50.
greatnorthpie.co