6 ways to toast British Pie Week

When it comes to feel-good, comforting food, and nostalgic dishes which place you in a happy place, it has to be a pie.

Whether it’s the flaky, golden shortcrust pastry, or the perfectly seasoned, flavoursome filling, nothing can beat a quintessentially British steak and ale pie; not to mention gastropub staples such as creamy chicken and mushroom.

Here’s what’s stirring the senses and making us reach for the rolling pin, glass in hand…

1. The Society’s English Lager, £2.50 (per bottle), 3.8% abv, 33cl, The Wine Society

A refreshing session beer, hop heads will love the crisp, malty taste of this Czech-inspired brew. Crafted with German hops, there’s a little complexity on the palate with a lasting, hoppy finish. Super refreshing and characterful, perfect with a Cornish pasty.

2. Co-op Irresistible Solo Pale Dry Rosé 2024, Spain, £8.25, Co-op in-store

Thanks to the rise and rise of rosé, this perennial pink is a firm fixture in the fridge door… and fabulously food friendly. From mini, pork pies, to cheese and spinach pie, Co-op’s new Spanish gem is a year-round go-to. A gentle, pale wash of pink, fresh summer berry aromas lead to a crisp palate of citrus, pink grapefruit and red fruits, with bright acidity and attractive, fresh finish.

3. Veramonte Organic Chardonnay 2025, Casablanca Valley, Chile, £10, (was £13.25, now until Feb 24), Ocado

A vibrant, aromatic chardonnay with loads of charm, enticing notes of tropical fruit, pear drops, and hints of lemon curd lead to a broad palate of wet stone fruits, citrus and hint of honey. With wonderful purity of fruit, balanced acidity and long, lingering finish, it’s one for anything in a creamy sauce… imagine cutting through the gorgeous, golden brown crust of a chicken pie – and a fresh chard lending a helping hand!

4. Chosen by Majestic Pinotage 2023, Robertson, South Africa, £11.50, (£10 Mix Six), Majestic

South Africa’s signature red grape gifts us in many ways… think ripe, juicy damson, plum and mulberry fruit with hints of black cherry; savoury depth with harmonious smoky undertones, and smooth texture. A warm-hearted red, this one’s a perfect fit with steak and ale pie with its smoky, toasty notes and persistent finish.

5. Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2024, France, £12.50, Tesco

An all-singing, all-dancing, red, when it comes to crowd-pleasing, food-friendly reds, you can’t beat a ‘Bojo,’ as its fondly referred to. Moreover, the gamay grape can run the gamut from mid-week, fish pie with shortcrust pastry, to minced beef and onion pie – and Louis Jadot the label to go for. Joyous from beginning to end, a fruit basket of strawberries, raspberries and succulent cherries awaits, finishing fresh and juicy.

6. Denbies Redlands Red Wine non-vintage, England, £14.95, Denbies Wine Estate

A delicious discovery from one of England’s leading wineries, this gorgeous, garnet red is flowing with ripe, red berry fruits with underlying savoury characters, delicious mouthfeel and good acidity. A blend of rondo and pinot noir grapes, floral aromas are complemented by hints of dried roses and blackcurrant, with a juicy finish to boot. We’re thinking a creamy mushroom pie with veggies. Cheers!