Located within the buzzing hub of SPARK on Piccadilly is pie-pop up Yorkshire Handmade Pies. Originally ran as an online business founded by pie pioneer, James Sturdy, this is the first time that Sturdy and York chef, Jack Richardson have joined forces to bring the well-loved British staple of a hot, handmade pie to the city of York. We hear from our writer, Emily, who was invited down to SPARK to try it out:
By nature, SPARK is a very chilled venue. Full of a variety of street food vendors and bars, you’re never short of choice of where to eat. An ideal area for casual get-togethers with friends and colleagues, the vibrant buzz of Spark on a Friday night is the perfect setting for myself and my guest to enjoy a cocktail and a delicious pie.
We take a look at the Yorkshire Handmade Pies menu and it’s simple but there are pies to suit all tastes. I set my sights on the Cheese and Onion Pie, whilst my guest opts for the award-winning Steak and Hambleton Ale Pie.
We’re not waiting long before the pies arrive. Presented in cardboard-style bowls, fitting well with the casual vibe of the venue, the pies are topped with a scoop of creamy garlic mash, and fresh peas and all smothered in a generous helping of thick, umami gravy.
Eager to try the pie, I cut into the middle, the cheese oozing out. Now, I’ve had cheese-based pies before, and sometimes the cheese has been fairly overpowering. This filling, however, was light and delicious whilst also maintaining its flavour.
My guest offers me a forkful of their Steak and Hambleton Ale Pie. It’s not hard to see why this earned itself a Great Taste Award either. The chunks of steak are tender and the sauce inside has a distinct but subtle taste of ale. There’s no denying, these are two very simple dishes but they’re very flavourful nonetheless.
Accompanying the pies is the thick, umami gravy which is worth a mention. Seasoned with thyme, this is a real flavour hit and the ratio of the garlic mash to pie is just right. And, as any pie-lover knows, one of the most crucial elements to a good pie is of course, the pastry. Both pies are encased in a delicious, buttery shortcrust that melts in the mouth with every bite.
With clean bowls and satisfied tummies, this was the perfect, warming cure for two hungry northerners on a chilly evening in York.
The verdict: A delicious, hearty meal…like a big Yorkshire hug!
Open in SPARK until the end of March, for more information, visit https://www.yorkshirehandmadepies.co.uk/.
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