Guardian Best Of 2023 top ten pie shops revealed

After launching our new Best of 2023 competition in the Northwich and Winsford Guardian and Knutsford Guardian earlier this month, we wanted to know where to buy the best pies – sweet or savoury.

In our first Best of 2023 category we were looking at the best hair salons, barbers and independent stylists in the area.

This week, pies were the focus and after receiving dozens on nominations over the weekend we have shortlisted a top ten, who will battle it out to be named the best in Mid Cheshire.

But now we need your help to choose an overall Best for Pies winner from our top ten.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best for Pies shortlists post on our Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich, and Knutsford Facebook and Twitter pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian (April 20 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday, May 1 and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR TEN BEST FOR PIES FINALISTS:

The Hayhurst Arms

The Hayhurst Arms, Bostock Green, Middlewich

When one customer makes a 30-mile round trip to enjoy a cheese, onion and potato pie it’s a must for our shortlist.

The nomination said: “It’s worth every minute of my journey on the M6.

“I’ve had my fair share of pies so I know a good pie when I taste one!”

For more details go to facebook.com/hayhurstarms

Birtwisles

Birtwisles Butchers, Witton Street, Northwich

The pies from Birtwisles are “yummy” with the minted lamb ones getting a special mention in the nominations.

Another happy customer simply said “they’re the best”!

For more details go to facebook.com/Birtwislesbutcher

Foodcraft

Foodcraft, High Street, Winsford

Recommendations said this was “100 per cent” the best pie.

One satisfied customer said: “I’ve never tasted nicer pies steak pies.

“They’re full of meat not just gravy!”

For more details go to instagram.com/foodcraft.winsford/

Webb and Sons

Webb and Sons, Witton Street, Northwich

The pork pies at this family butchers received several recommendations with one customer saying they taste even better when heated up – that’s if you can wait that long before taking a bite on the way home!

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054457751343

JD's Cafe

JD’s Café, Winnington Avenue, Winnington

The steak pies from this café must be good as recommendations said they’re “the best ever”.

They’re “full of tender meat, no gristle, and encased in beautiful buttery pastry”.

For more details go to facebook.com/groups/1620261168277005

Ka Pie

Ka Pie, Holmes Chapel

What’s not to love about a pie if someone describes it as “the best pies I’ve ever tasted”?

Coronation chicken pies will be on the menu next week in honour of King Charles III’s coronation.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083205578782

Broad's Bakery

Broad’s Bakery, Unit 4, Lewin Street, Middlewich

The chicken curry pies were the top choice as they have “amazing pastry” and are “full of flavour”.

These bakes are smashing – “top notch pies”.

For more details go to facebook.com/broadsbakery

The Great North Pie Company

The Great North Pie Company, Deanway, Wilmslow Road, Wilmslow

These pies are “unreal” with braised beef and ale pies, chicken and ham, and minced beef and onion featuring regularly on the menu tempting customers’ tastebuds.

For more details go to facebook.com/greatnorthpieco

AJ Devaney

AJ Devaney, Wheelock Street, Middlewich

This is the place to go for a steak and gravy pie or a meat and potato pie.

One happy customer said: “The pastry is lovely and they’re full of fresh meat”.

For more details go to facebook.com/AJDevaneyButcher

George's Butchers

George’s Butchers, Northwich Road, Weaverham

Serving top quality pork pies, George’s Butchers is worth travelling for with one reviewer on their Facebook page saying they buy meat and potato pies to take back to Glasgow when they’re passing.

For more details go to facebook.com/Georgesbutchersweaverham