UK’s favourite pie revealed as nation votes on much-loved delicacy – but what to have with it divides opinion

THE UK’s favourite pie is steak and ale, according to a poll.

The beef and beer filled variety saw off competition from chicken and mushroom, plain steak, and steak and kidney.

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The study also found those polled prefer their pies to be savoury rather than sweet[/caption]

Other favourites include minced beef and onion, Cornish pasty, and perhaps controversially given its lack of pastry, Shepherd’s pie.

Cheese and onion, chicken and gravy, and fish also made the top 20.

The research of 2,000 pie fans also revealed half of respondents believe a savoury pie’s best accompaniment is a dolloping of creamy mash – and two thirds say adding gravy is essential.

A spokesperson for Idahoan Perfect Mash, which commissioned the research to celebrate National Pie Week, which starts tomorrow (Monday 4 March), said: “A good pie never fails to satisfy.

“There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming hot pie during winter as well as the warmer months, at picnics and football games alike.

“It comes as no surprise that half the nation shares our love for enjoying a pie with a side of buttery mash.”

The study also found those polled prefer their pies to be savoury rather than sweet (31 per cent vs 12 per cent) – although 58 per cent admit they like them both as much as each other.

Cottage pie also cracked the top 10 – as 39 per cent feel the mash-topped effort – along with Shepherd’s – counts as a pie.

While 36 per cent also consider a Cornish pasty to fall under the pie umbrella, and 13 per cent even say the same of quiche.

When it comes to characteristics of a high-quality pie, plenty of filling topped the list (73 per cent) followed by fresh ingredients (35 per cent).

But 28 per cent want to see lots of sauce, and the same percentage want a shining golden colour to the crust – which should be made from shortcrust pastry.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found the typical pie-eater chews through three a month, and 59 per cent have attempted to make their own.

And they’re not shy of their pie-making prowess either, as four in 10 reckon theirs is just as good – if not better – than pie supremo Paul Hollywood.

The spokesperson for Idahoan Perfect Mash added: “What better excuse to enjoy a warming pie than celebrating the national holiday that is Pie Week.

“The combination of flaky pastry and hearty fillings is a comforting experience that’s hard to resist.

“And we’re proud to be served alongside any pie.”

SWNS

The research found that the typical pie-eater chews through three per month[/caption]