It seems Pieminister is doing rather well. Starting out life in Bristol after owners Tristan Hogg and Jon Simon came up with the concept of a pie-centric restaurant, the chain is quickly opening up branches up and down the country.
But how will pie-loving Yorkshire take to the idea? Surely with so many places to get good ‘uns, it would take a lot to beat our homemade variety from across the county, at rustic pubs and farms shops especially?
During British Pie Week, I took my husband and little boy along to indulge on Friday lunchtime. Treat day. See? I’m already making excuses for eating a pie. Us women don’t eat so many calories so easily, so when we do, it’d always better be worth it.
What’s great about Pieminister in Duncan Street is that it’s relaxed and friendly with a cool edge – all open pipes and bare brickwork. But alongside its edgy feel, you know you’re not about to pay on-trend city centre prices for the privilege. Depending on how hungry you are, you can break down your bill into bite-sized chunks of added extras, but the pies themselves come at a very reasonable £5 each.
Both pies were bursting with complementary flavours, succulent and plentiful pieces of meat and just-right pastry. No soggy bottoms here. And before you wonder… yes, you get plenty of gravy which specially accompanies whichever pie you’ve gone for.
While I couldn’t resist the prospect of a creamy chicken pie, I was assured by staff that the veggie pies are by no means second fiddle to the meat options. Could possibly be described as even better, I hear.
If pies with pastry are not your thing, Pieminister offers menus choices of open top pies, hot pots and salads too. Special mention to the rather fine pudding of Glastonbury Mud, a rich chocolate and vanilla ice cream pie with chocolate sauce and toasted almonds. There’s also a good choice of local beer available.
Pieminister Leeds is currently running its Meat Free Monday campaign, where you can get 50p off all veg pies and veg hot pots on Mondays.