Who ate all the pies?

One pie lovers' review of The Jack Horner pub, London.

Pies are a British classic so why are there so many “Best burger bars”, “Perfect pizza places”, “Cool Chinese cafes”

Where have all the pies gone?

“Shut your pie holes”. Pie holes. That’s precisely it. Mouths are called pie holes; they are made to be filled with short crust, puff, filo, sweet, savoury, delicious, mouth-watering pies!

John Lennon once said: “I had a vision that a man came unto us on a flaming pie, and he said, ‘You are Beatles with an A.’ And so we were.” Pies were involved with the naming of The Beatles, one of THE GREATEST British bands of all time! I rest my case. There can never be enough pies in this world, especially in Britain: home of pies.

Situated at 234-236 Tottenham Court Road, in the heart of London is The Jack Horner pub. Here, dreams of pies are realised. Chicken and chorizo, chestnut bourguignon, steak and ESB are just a few of the delights on offer here.

You may be thinking that pub pies are often the food of drunkards, or those with a hangover. Those who have no care for the quality of their dinners so long as their bellies are lined with cheap, mass bought pastries. Well, you would be wrong. As the menu proudly shows, “Every pie is individually hand-crafted using the finest fresh shortcrust pastry & delicious fillings, served with mash, buttered greens & gravy.”

No aspect of this London hideaway is cheap or uncared for. While it may not seem like much from the outside, inside lies a busy pub, filled with people from all over the city, desperate to get a slice of the pie. The place has a friendly, buzzing atmosphere which can be unusual in such a large city. It’s very easy to feel at home and forget where you are for a couple of hours.

At peak times and weekends, it can get especially busy so booking in advance is definitely advised. You can do this via their website http://jackhornerpub.co.uk/ or call on 02076362868.

For those on a budget, fear not! You don’t need to expect London prices at this homely little pub. With an average price of £12.50 per pie, including the extras of mash, veg and gravy, the lovingly made food doesn’t even need to break the bank.

If you find that you don’t fancy a pie, there are of course, alternatives. London Pride battered cod and chips, Cumberland sausages and celeriac mash and black pudding and bacon chicken breast are just a few of the dishes which continue the British menu.

Alternatively, if you are a diehard pie fanatic, go for the ale & pie tasting board of three miniature pies, accompanied with three ales, mash, greens and gravy all for just £16. There are also special pies which change weekly so more than one visit is an absolute must!