London is famous for its meat pies, and they can be found nearly everywhere. The meat pie has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries, evolving from basic beef, mutton or pork fillings to more modern ingredients such as mushrooms and even vegetarian options. Popular places to enjoy meat pies in London include F. Cooke in Hoxton, The Windmill in Mayfair, Borough Market which offers a range of pies including vegetarian options, and The Guinea Grill in Mayfair. For those looking to make traditional steak and kidney pie at home, there is a delicious recipe included in the article.

Indulging in World-Famous Meat Pies in London

Introduction

London is known for its variety of mouth-watering dishes, but nothing beats the classic meat pie. This iconic dish has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries and continues to be a popular choice amongst locals and tourists alike. From the traditional steak and kidney to the more modern chicken and mushroom, meat pies have come a long way and can be found at almost every corner in the city. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to indulge in world-famous meat pies in London.

History of Meat Pies

Meat pies have been a popular dish in England since the medieval times. They were often filled with beef, mutton, or pork and were the perfect food for the working-class as they were easy to make, filling, and could be eaten on the go. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and different types of meat and ingredients have been added to make the perfect pie.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit F. Cooke in Hoxton – F. Cooke has been serving traditional pies since 1862 and is a must-visit for anyone in search of a classic meat pie. Their pies are made with fresh ingredients and are baked to perfection. They’re also known for their jellied eels and mashed potatoes, which complement the pie perfectly.

2. Try the famous steak and ale pie at The Windmill – The Windmill is a popular pub in Mayfair known for its famous steak and ale pie. The pie is made with tender steak, rich ale, and is served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It’s the perfect meal for a cold winter’s day.

3. Head to the iconic Borough Market – Borough Market is a food lover’s paradise and is home to some of the best food vendors in London. You can find a variety of meat pies here, including the classic steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, and even vegetarian options.

4. Visit The Guinea Grill in Mayfair – The Guinea Grill is a traditional English pub that serves some of the best pies in the city. Their pies are made with locally sourced ingredients and are baked to perfection. They also have a great selection of beers and wines to accompany your meal.

5. Try the chicken and mushroom pie at The Jugged Hare – The Jugged Hare is a modern gastro pub located in the heart of the city. They serve a variety of pies, but their chicken and mushroom is a crowd favorite. The pie is made with tender chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce, and is served with a side of buttery mashed potatoes.

Recipe for Traditional Steak and Kidney Pie

If you’d like to try making a traditional steak and kidney pie at home, here’s a recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:
– 500g beef steak
– 250g ox kidney
– 2 onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp plain flour
– 400ml beef stock
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp tomato puree
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper
– 500g puff pastry

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Cut the beef steak and kidney into small chunks.
3. In a large frying pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the beef and kidney and cook until browned.
5. Add the flour and stir until everything is coated.
6. Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Take off the heat and let it cool.
9. Roll out the puff pastry and line the base and sides of a pie dish.
10. Pour in the meat mixture and top with another layer of pastry.
11. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake in the oven for 45 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is hot.

Conclusion

Meat pies are a true British classic and London has some of the best places to indulge in this iconic dish. No matter what type of pie you’re in the mood for, from traditional steak and kidney to modern chicken and mushroom, you’re sure to find it in the city. So, the next time you’re in London, make sure to add meat pies to your foodie bucket list!