8 Perfect Places To Stuff Your Face With Pies In Manchester

Whilst pie is incredibly ingrained in British culture (especially here oop North!), it’s also incredibly underrated. It’s the kind of dish you can enjoy whatever the occasion – whether you’re happy, sad, or just need that feeling of a warm hug in place of your Nan. Pie can ignite all the feels. Which is exactly why we aim to celebrate it this British Pie Week. From the traditional to the inventive, here’s our guide to the best pies in Manchester.

1. Pieminister

With not one, but two restaurants across Manchester, it’s safe to say that when it comes to pie – Pieminister knows what’s up. Serving an array of pies for meat-eaters, veggies and vegans to enjoy, their menu is pretty much dedicated to pie and only pie, offering an array of fillings alongside a core selection of sides that each pie can be enjoyed with. Think fillings such as jackfruit ‘steak’ and ale, chicken and mushroom and stilton, alongside hefty portions of mash potato, minty peas and even pigs in blankets. Pieminister, 53 Church St, M4 1PD | 198 Deansgate, M3 3NE.

2. Pie & Ale

The husband and wife duo at Pie & Ale have been slinging pies for almost a decade now, and today, they’re still serving up delicious homemade masterpieces in the Northern Quarter. Pie & Ale keep things pretty traditional – with classics on the menu including steak and ale (served with a Yorkshire pud!), ham hock, pork, sage and apple, and even a Sunday roast pie. They most certainly aren’t stingy on the gravy, either. Pie & Ale, Units 1 & 2 the Hive, 47 Lever St, M1 1FN.

3. Potter’s Pies

Potter’s Pies might be the new kid on the block, but they’re certainly not one to underestimate. With decades of experience between the mother-son duo, the pair whip up some seriously tasty pies – with plenty of wildcards on the menu, too. We’re talking their epic ‘Ode to Greggs’ pie – which combines both the classic steak pie with sausage rolls, as well as gems such as peri peri chicken, bacon mac and cheese and even Buckfast summer fruits. Keep up with where they’ll pop up next on their Instagram.

4. Ate Days A Week

Stockport’s music-themed pie shop by Andy James absolutely loves a bitta proper British grub. We’re talking pie barms (or Wigan kebabs, to some) with peas and gravy and proper hearty pie and mash served with puddles of tasty gravy. Carefully crafted and fabulously flaky, pies include stunning fillings such as braised ox cheek, beef shin, rosemary lamb, chicken balti and red onion cheddar, to name a few. While you’re probably craving pie right here, right now, unfortunately, Ate Days A Week has temporarily closed while it moves from Stockport to Manchester City Centre, however, you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious pies again real soon.

5. The Great North Pie Co

Starting life in a family kitchen in Wilmslow just a few years ago, Great North Pie Co. has made quite the name for itself trading at farmers markets and the beloved Alty Market – and now, they’re ready to take on Manchester City Centre, too. Keeping things classic, and more importantly, local, Great North Pie Co. focuses on fillings such as 14-hour braised beef and ale, chicken and black pudding, Lancashire cheese and onion and proper beans and cheese – alongside an array of tasty specials to keep things fresh for their regular pie scranners. Great North Pie Co., Altrincham Market House, WA15 1SA.

6. The Bay Horse Tavern

Quite possibly one of the city centre’s cosiest pubs, The Bay Horse Tavern provides a pretty warming atmosphere for guests to enjoy – one that’s best experienced with a good old pie, if you ask us. Available with a variety of fillings, guests can fill up on steak and ale, chicken and bacon, mushroom and leek, alongside cheese and onion – all of which are served with triple cooked chips or mash and plenty of gravy. The best bit? Sometimes, they’re only £6! Keep your eyes peeled for promotions on their social channels. The Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, M4 1NA.

7. The Black Friar

The newly reopened Black Friar in Salford knows the score when it comes to proper hearty pub grub – and their pies are no exception. Fresh as can be and changing daily, the team at the Black Friar regularly experiment with delicious, traditional pies, creating them with whatever fresh produce they fancy next. Each pie is served with buttered mash, greens and gravy, and so perfectly presented, it feels like a real special treat. The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford, M3 7DB.

8. The Edinburgh Castle

Ancoats beautiful pub The Edinburgh Castle whips up quite the fancy pub-style menu, putting an upmarket twist on classics such as wellington, steak and, of course, pie. Seasonally changing, guess can enjoy a beautifully cased pie made with deliciously flaky pastry, with this season’s filling including the finest cheese and onion, alongside spring onion mash and gravy. Due to the high quality of their produce, expect an ever-changing pie offering reflecting what’s in season right now. The Edinburgh Castle, 19 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5EP.