National Pie Day: Celebrating the Savoury and the Sweet

There are food days, and then there are proper food days – and National Pie Day firmly falls into the latter category. Few dishes are as comforting, versatile, and deeply loved in the UK as the humble pie. 

Whether it’s steaming hot from the oven on a cold evening or served chilled with cream as a dessert centrepiece, pies have earned their place at the heart of our food culture.

National Pie Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate both sides of the pie world: the rich, hearty savoury classics and the indulgent, nostalgic sweet favourites.

The Savoury Pie: A British Icon

Savoury pies are woven into British life. From pub menus to family dinners, they represent comfort, generosity, and tradition.

Classic favourites include:

Steak and ale pie – slow-cooked beef in a rich gravy beneath golden pastry

Chicken and mushroom pie – creamy, warming, and endlessly popular

Shepherd’s or cottage pie – technically topped rather than encased, but a pie in spirit

Fish pie – creamy seafood filling with mashed potato comfort

Vegetable and vegan pies – proof that pies don’t need meat to be magnificent

Savoury pies are wonderfully adaptable. Shortcrust, puff, hot water crust, mashed potato topping – every version has its loyal fans. They’re also one of the best “make once, eat twice” meals, often tasting even better the next day.

The Sweet Pie: Dessert Royalty

If savoury pies warm the body, sweet pies warm the soul. Often tied to memories of family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and special occasions, dessert pies are pure comfort.

Much-loved sweet pies include:

Apple pie – simple, timeless, and unbeatable with custard

Cherry pie – vibrant, fruity, and slightly nostalgic

Lemon meringue pie – sharp, sweet, and beautifully theatrical

Treacle tart – a very British classic with deep, sticky sweetness

Pecan pie – rich, indulgent, and unapologetically decadent

Sweet pies invite creativity too – lattice tops, decorative pastry leaves, and flavoured crusts turn baking into an art form as much as a pleasure.

Why Pies Endure

Part of the magic of pies is their universality. They can be humble or luxurious, budget-friendly or celebratory. They suit every season, every diet, and every skill level – from shop-bought shortcuts to all-day kitchen projects.

Pies are also wonderfully social. They’re made to be shared, sliced at the table, argued over (who gets the corner piece?), and remembered.

How to Celebrate National Pie Day

Cook a proper pie from scratch, savoury or sweet

Support a local butcher or bakery

Try a filling you’ve never had befor

Turn leftovers into a pie and reduce food waste

Or simply enjoy a slice with mash, gravy, or custard and no guilt whatsoever

Savoury or Sweet – Which Side Are You On?

National Pie Day isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about celebrating the fact that pies can do it all – hearty meals, show-stopping desserts, and everything in between.

So whether you’re team steak and ale or firmly in the apple-and-custard camp, today is your day to raise a fork and enjoy every flaky, crumbly, glorious bite.