In an age of protein bars and superfood smoothies, the humble pie has sometimes been unfairly maligned.
While trendy snacks come and go, pies have sustained generations of Britons through centuries.
Today, with Brits consuming £1 billion worth of pies annually (not including those lovingly crafted in home kitchens), these traditional favourites are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance as people rediscover the value of proper, wholesome food[1].
Simon Bryon-Edmond, Founder and MD of award-winning piemaker Chunk of Devon, believes it’s time to celebrate pies for what they truly are – “honest food that’s fuelled empires and kept Britain moving.”
“Our parents and grandparents didn’t build Britain on sugary drinks or energy bars – they did it on pies! Butter, lard, and suet are the champions of true sustenance, delivering the kind of energy you need to take on the world,” says Simon. ” After all, the ancient Romans weren’t fuelling their empire on energy drinks – they were eating precursors to the pies we enjoy today.”
During his 18 years at the helm of Chunk, Simon has developed an unerring ability to guess anyone’s favourite pie, based on anything from their clothing choices to their hobbies. “Every pie choice tells a story about its eater,” he explains. “From traditionalists who swear by classic combinations to adventurous souls seeking new flavour experiences, your perfect pie match might be more obvious that you’d think.”
But can your personality really predict your perfect pie? Simon believes it can even reveal more about you than your horoscope. “Your pie choice will unpick your soul!”, he says. Here’s his guide to matching personalities with their ideal pie partners:
The Traditionalist
You’ll know them by their unwavering confidence in what they like – whether they’re sporting a flat cap and wellies or a beanie and retro trainers. These are the souls who value consistency, who believe that some things simply shouldn’t be messed with. They know the best table at their local pub, have strong opinions about proper Sunday roasts, and appreciate the timeless over the trendy. Their perfect match? The classic Steak & Ale pie.
“There’s a reason these recipes have endured,” Simon notes. “Quality beef, rich ale gravy, and buttery pastry – it’s British comfort food at its finest. And let’s not forget Steak & Kidney, once the king of pies, it’s making a proper comeback.”
The Countryside Sophisticate
The person who can stride through muddy fields and somehow emerge looking stylish. They crave balanced flavours, a hint of elegance, and a generous dollop of nostalgia. They’ll often pair their pie with a crisp white wine after a brisk country walk. Their perfect match is the Chicken, Leek & Bacon pie – a refined twist on comfort food.
“This isn’t just a pie – it’s a lifestyle. The silky leeks are like adding a scarf to an already great outfit. And that creamy filling? It’s countryside cuisine at its most elegant. Magical interplays of bacon, double cream, and a mix of breast and thigh… What’s not to adore?”
The Farm Shop Foodie
You’ll spot them hovering near the chutney aisle or debating the merits of aged cheddar. They know every producer at the farmers’ market by name and can tell you the precise weekend to hunt for wild garlic. Their cookbook collection is expertly curated, and their Instagram feed looks like a rustic food magazine. For these discerning souls, the perfect match is a traditional pork pie, served with the finest homemade piccalilli.
“These folks will have a strong opinion on the great pork pie debate: jelly or no jelly? A feud for the ages,” Simon says. “True food lovers appreciate these subtle variations that make each recipe unique.”
The Adventurous Flavour Seeker
These are the culinary explorers, the ones who’ll cross town for a new restaurant opening and always order the most intriguing item on the menu. Their spice rack is a thing of beauty, and their friends rely on them for restaurant recommendations. They’re the first to try fusion cuisines and the last to say no to an unusual ingredient. Their perfect matches? Bold creations like Chicken Curry, Oriental Duck or Beef and Oyster pies.
“These pie trailblazers keep us on our toes,” Simon observes. “They’ll try anything once and probably go back for seconds. Thanks to them, pies are evolving in ways we never imagined – they’re the rebels of the pastry world. Every classic pie started as someone’s experiment, after all.”
The Gourmet
If you’re dreaming of Venison & Port, chances are you’re in Gourmet territory. These pie connoisseurs know their wines, and can explain the difference between French and English butter. While others see a meal, they see a composition of flavours, textures, and possibilities. Their kitchen is their sanctuary, and they approach cooking with equal parts precision and passion. Their ideal match? The sophisticated Venison & Port with bacon and mushrooms.
“It’s about layering flavours,” Simon explains. “The richness of venison, the depth of port, and the savoury notes from bacon and mushrooms create a pie that’s both hearty and refined – a real celebration of British ingredients.”
The Plant-Based Pioneer
Who says pie loyalty is just for meat lovers? The Plant-Based Pioneer is here to rewrite the pie playbook with mouthwatering options like a Moroccan-inspired Veggie Tagine and other meat-free marvels. They can tell you the best spots for seasonal produce, have mastered the art of meat-free cooking, and love introducing sceptics to innovative plant-based dishes.
“The rise of vegan and flexitarian lifestyles has been a game-changer. Sure, there’s been some silliness – bleeding veggie burgers come to mind – but when it’s done right, it’s sublime. A hearty mushroom cassoulet or a Ruby Murray Veggie Curry in a pie? That’s comfort food at its finest, and often my go-to grab,” Simon says.
Simon’s Favourite
Now that we’ve been introduced to a few pie-dentities, where does Simon land?
“For me, it’s got to be a Steak & Stilton pie. I just love the way the Stilton complements the rich steak filling – the umami of mushrooms, the tanginess of Stilton, and quality beef create something that always feels a little bit special” says Simon.
“I think it places me firmly in the Gourmet category. Stilton has a distinctive flavour, and I think it says, ‘I enjoy a touch of indulgence but still love the comforting, hearty nature of a good pie.’ It’s the perfect balance between boldness and tradition, and it never fails to hit the spot. And yes, I’ll absolutely pair it with a glass of red wine – because why not?”
Simon’s choice reflects the ethos of Chunk of Devon – celebrating timeless recipes while embracing moments of indulgence. Whether you’re a Plant-Based Pioneer or a Countryside Sophisticate, Simon’s philosophy is simple: there’s a pie for everyone, and the joy is in finding your match.
La Rustichella Truffles : From Forest, to Factory to Fork (all in one day)
