Found everywhere from chippies to football grounds, via supermarkets and corner shopd, Pukka has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of the nation. But where did it all begin? Let’s take a closer look at the rich history behind this much-loved name.
A Modest Beginning
The story of Pukka Pies started back in 1963, in the Leicestershire town of Syston. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team Trevor and Valerie Storer.
Originally trading under the name Trevor Storer's Home Made Pies, the business was born out of Trevor’s ambition to create quality, tasty pies that could be enjoyed across the country. His experience as a sales manager for a bakery firm gave him the insight and skills needed to turn this dream into a reality.
Trevor crafted the original recipes himself, beginning with just a few pie varieties made in a small bakery. Demand quickly grew, and it wasn’t long before the Storers realised they had something truly special on their hands.
The Birth of 'Pukka'
In 1964, just a year after starting the business, the Storers decided a rebrand was in order. They wanted a name that captured the quality and reliability of their pies. They landed on 'Pukka', a word taken from Hindi meaning genuine or first class, which had become part of British slang by the 1960s. It perfectly summed up their philosophy — to make pies that were the real deal.
Thus, Pukka Pies was officially born, and the company began its steady rise to fame.
Growth and Popularity
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Pukka Pies expanded rapidly. Their pies became a staple at fish and chip shops, sports stadiums, and working men’s clubs up and down the country. The company’s marketing leaned into this association with everyday British life, positioning their products as accessible, hearty, and satisfying.
Football fans in particular have long associated Pukka Pies with the half-time experience, with warm meat pies providing essential sustenance on chilly match days.
By the 1990s, Pukka was producing millions of pies annually, cementing their reputation as one of Britain’s favourite pie brands.
A Family Business at Heart
Despite its growth, Pukka Pies has remained a family-run business. After Trevor retired, the leadership of the company passed to his sons, Tim and Andrew Storer. They have continued to expand the brand while staying true to the original values of quality and consistency.
Today, Pukka produces not only the classic steak and kidney and chicken and mushroom pies but also a wide range of flavours to suit modern tastes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The brand has also refreshed its image in recent years to appeal to a broader audience, all while keeping that classic 'proper pie' reputation intact.
A Modern British Icon
Now producing around 60 million pies every year, Pukka Pies has secured its status as a national treasure. Whether enjoyed with chips and mushy peas, grabbed during a footie match, or baked at home for a comforting dinner, Pukka remains a delicious slice of British life.
From humble beginnings in a small Leicestershire bakery to becoming a household name, the story of Pukka Pies is a shining example of great British entrepreneurship — and, of course, a love for a good pie.
My favourite is their Steak Pie. What's yours? Please tell us in the comments below.
