Urban Pie are one of our many friends in the pie world. We have been there many more times than the 4 previous pie reviews indicate and they were kind enough to also blog about us! They called us 'pie experts' back in our early days of 2010. Aww, thanks guys! Perhaps this kind sentiment was in part down to our acclaim of this 'fast-food' pie format. It was our first taste of such a thing, before we discovered similar such ventures in London.
Pierateers RAS and SJL had a quick visit between changes of trains at Birmingham New Street. The place had new options since SJL’s last visit with new veg and potato wedge options. SJL opted for the Angus Steak and RAS took on the Lamb, Potato and Mint pie. The staff were very friendly which really helped to make a nice atmosphere. They even posed for a Pierate/Urban Pie promo photo.

Staff - and pies! - at Urban Pie, Birmingham


But enough of that – let’s dig into the pies!

Here are SJL's thoughts on the Angus Steak:
I am a big fan of the Urban Pie pastry because it does hold its structure well. The pies look fantastic and what I consider proper pies to look like. It also maintains some crispiness on the outside while being gooey on the inside. Unfortunately this time I also had some very thick pieces of pastry on the sides. These were a bit too doughy and hence the pie lost score. I am sure that this isn't representative though as I have had a number of Urban Pies before. The meat and gravy was classic steak pie fare. The taste of beef was intense and while it didn't do anything unique, everything it did do it did very well. Coming as a good value meal it was another Urban Pie experience I really enjoyed. It was just a shame it had been so long between visits!
And the thoughts of RAS on the Lamb, Potato and Mint:

Angus Steak Pie from Urban Pie
Score: 4.78/7 (SJL)
Lamb, Potato and Mint Pie from Urban Pie

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Lamb and Rosemary Pie Review from Urban Pie

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Chicken and Ham and Steak and Mushroom Pie Reviews from Urban Pie

Last month, Pierateer RAS told us all about the great fast food bar that is Urban Pie. Two reviewers went to the Birmingham branch yesterday to grab a tasty lunch bite! It was our first time at Urban Pie, and due to all the great reviews we were expecting the best. We were not disappointed. At just under £4 for any pie, the cost of these pies is not the lowest, but for the quality and at a restaurant, the price was actually quite decent. You can choose many extras with these pies including, mash, cheese, gravy and curry sauce. Mash costs an extra £1.75 but you get such a large helping, these two reviewers shared a portion (with some yummy cheddar cheese on top!) I was a first taken aback by the large selection of pies and didn't know what to choose, but settled on a lovely chicken and ham number. My fellow reviewer choose a steak and mushroom, though he wanted plain steak they had sold out because they were so popular. While none of these reviewers are vegetarian, I was surprised at the choice one had if one was so inclined.

So, the chicken and ham. Firstly, I was pleased that chicken was teamed up with something other than mushroom. While I will have mushroom in a pie if there is little other choice, I prefer the slimy fungus to be absent from my delicious pie. At first glance, I could tell that this pie was professional, the lovely crispy pasty was the warm golden colour you expect from a high quality pie, and it was in a great condition. These pies are all made the same, round, small but quite a deep fill giving them a large capacity. Inside, was was a good content of gravy and lots of good quality meaty chunks, making the pie slip easily down the throat (so low chewiness - which I like). This pie was good right down to the last bite - so very consistent.

The steak and mushroom was also spectacular: great, creamy gravy with very high quality steak chunks.

Overall, Urban Pie scores very highly. While some might say the pies are on the slightly small size, with a nice large dollop of mash, this meal will fill you right up. Additionally, the pies themselves were still a little pricey for someone on a tight budget, so it might be best to visit at the end of the day to get a reduced price! Also there is that bonus of INSTANT PIE!

Urban Pie Chicken and Ham
Score: 6/7

Urban Pie Steak and Mushroom
Score: 6/7

ARL

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It’s not hard to find a McDonalds, Burger King or KFC lining the High Street or out-of-town retail park. But let’s face it – none of them are the pie capital of Britain. And you could argue that the local chip shop never has the range of pies that you truly desire for a change, even if pukka pies do provide consistent pie quality. But what if you want a bit more class in your pie?

Well fear not guys, for the great minds behind Urban pie have spotted a niche in the market place for some top quality, but fairly reasonably priced, pies. Their motto says it all:





Such a great variety of pies, including specialising at Christmas (roast dinner pie) or the mashed potato covered cottage pie – they seem to have everything covered! And with half price pies after 5pm, surely it’s gotta be a winner with the Birmingham public...and now Leicester too! Surely it won’t be long till global domination. You heard it here first!

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