The Evolution of the Pie in Great Britain

When you think of British cuisine, the humble pie often springs to mind (it rarely leaves our minds) - flaky pastry encasing a hearty filling, ready to warm your soul on a chilly day. But pies in Britain are more than just a comforting meal; they’re a delicious tradition with centuries of history behind them. So, grab a fork and let's dig into the story of how the British pie has evolved!

Let’s start at the very beginning - or at least as far back as we can trace the pie's ancestry. The earliest British pies date back to medieval times, and they were... let’s just say, a bit "rough around the crust." Back then, the pie’s pastry wasn’t the delicate, buttery sort we all love today. Instead, it was called a “coffyn” (we’re not joking) made of thick, tough dough that was designed more for holding the filling than for eating. The pastry essentially acted as medieval Tupperware, keeping the meat or fish inside good for consuming.

These early pies were also made for feasts, with the inedible pastry casing elaborately decorated. A pie could even contain live birds (yep, just like in that nursery rhyme) that flew out upon slicing - an old-school party trick that would have put your standard birthday cake to shame!

 

By the 16th century, pies were getting fancier, thanks to the influence of the Tudors, who knew how to throw a good banquet. During this period, pies became something of an art form, and fillings became more luxurious. Not only were there pies filled with meats like venison and lamb, but also sweet pies with fruits, sugar (which was quite the luxury item), and even custard – ooh eerrr.

This was also the era when the first mince pies appeared - not to be confused with the modern sweet version, these pies originally contained a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices. So, imagine having a bite of beef with some raisins and a dash of cinnamon for good measure. A bit like a tagine, only more British!

Fast forward to the 19th century, and pies became truly democratic. Thanks to industrialisation, the pie transformed from a luxury dish for the elite into an affordable meal for the masses. Street vendors would sell hot, savoury pies filled with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and meat (think steak & kidney or mutton). The iconic pie-and-mash shops of East London were born around this time, serving the working class with hearty food, and let’s not forget the strangely beloved sidekick: liquor—the parsley sauce that is suspiciously lacking in any actual liquor.

This era also saw the rise of the sweet pie 🍎. Fruit pies became popular in Victorian homes, with apples, plums, and berries filling those beautiful buttery crusts. It was the beginning of what we'd recognise as a classic British dessert, often served with a side of custard or cream. Yum!

After World War II, convenience became key, and so entered the age of the frozen pie. With more women joining the workforce and time becoming a precious commodity, pies that could go straight from freezer to oven became the go-to meal in many British homes. The fillings were simple - chicken and mushroom, beef and onion, and, of course, the classic steak & kidney. While these pies may not have had the finesse of a homemade creation, they were reliable, and, let’s be honest, pretty tasty when you couldn’t be bothered to cook!

And now, we come to the present day, where pies have undergone something of a renaissance. British food culture has exploded in the past few decades, and the humble pie hasn’t been left out. Gastro pubs now serve up gourmet versions with artisan fillings. Pies are no longer just a quick meal; they’re a fancy quick meal!

Traditional favourites like pork pies, Scotch pies, and Cornish pasties are still going strong, but they share the stage with innovative twists, such as curry pies and plenty of veggie or plant-based versions. Pie fills have become more creative, combining old-world charm with modern flair!

The evolution of the pie in Great Britain is more than just a culinary journey - it's a reflection of the country's changing culture and tastes. From its medieval origins as a practical way to store food to today’s artisanal creations served at trendy eateries, the British pie has stood the test of time. Whether you're a fan of the classic steak and ale, or prefer a more adventurous filling, one thing is for sure: pies have earned their place in the heart of British cuisine. We like to think we can do both traditional and modern well here at Chunk and pledge to keep creating delicious pies with all manner of fills!