Upper crust: Britain's best pies

Young Vegans

Traditionalists and those born within earshot of the Bow Bells may balk at the idea of vegan pie but the hearty, cockney-inspired fare at Young Vegans is enough to satisfy even the most committed carnivore. London's first vegan pie and mash joint set up permanent shop in Camden Market last year and is famed for its seitan "steak" and ale pie as well as other inventive flavours such as the All Day Breakfast, which is loaded with scrambled tofu, caramelised onions, vegan sausage and smoky baked beans.

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youngvegans.co.uk

Sweeney & Todd

The founders of this popular Reading restaurant took a bit of a gamble on the rather tongue-in-cheek name but, 30 years and umpteen happy customers later, it's one that's obviously paid off. Sweeney & Todd's award-winning pies are reassuringly traditional, with seasonal specialities and classic flavours such as Lamb & Mint and Cajun Chicken. And absolutely nothing from an upstairs barbershop…

sweeneyandtodd.co.uk

The Ivy

West London institution The Ivy has been a celeb favourite for over half a century. And from Noel Coward to Brad Pitt, the starry clientele that pass through its stained-glass doors are all (probably) tucking into the same dish: the Shepherd's Pie. Humble yet satisfying with a slight modern twist in the beef and lamb mince filling, this iconic pie is otherwise a classic comfort dish as quintessentially British as a milky cup of tea.

Image by David Griffen; the-ivy.co.uk

Sam's Chop House

This legendary Mancunian restaurant has been serving up classic British comfort food since 1872. The most popular dish on the menu (and the UK's most popular pie filling, according to a 2017 survey) is Steak & Ale Pudding. However, any pie purists would point out that this doesn't technically count as a pie (it's all in the pastry, apparently). So opt for the equally delicious Lancashire Cheese & Onion Pie from award-winning local suppliers the Great North Pie Co.

samschophouse.com

Bob Bob Ricard

If there was a prize for London's poshest pies it would probably go to those served at Bob Bob Ricard. Renowned for "Press for Champagne" buttons and opulent decor, this eccentric Soho stalwart serves beautifully presented pies with a glaze so shiny you may require sunglasses. The signature dish is the suitably fancy Chicken, Mushroom & Champagne pie but there are also veggie and fish variations to keep non-meat eaters happy.

bobbobricard.com