Great Island Pies

Found on menus for centuries, pie-like dishes date back as far as ancient Egypt, with pastry being created by the Greeks and the Romans taking it one step further by using a pastry of flour, oil and water, to cover the meat and preserve the juices and flavour. Word of the pie soon spread to Europe and by the 14th century, the British pie was born. Initially, like the Romans, pastry was used as a way of preserving the filling, allowing it to last longer on sea voyages. However, by medieval times, pies became the centrepiece of exclusive banquets. The more impressive the filling, the better the performance of lifting the pie lid to reveal the filling.

Today, pies come in all shapes, sizes and flavours, they’re featured on almost all menus with a variety of sweet to savoury options.. The Island included...

It’s a visitor & locals favourite, and for good reason! This Newchurch pie is filled with Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, Garlic, Spinach & Redcurrant Gravy, served with house Potatoes and a selection of vegetables. Tripadvisor reviews speak for themselves, it’s simply delicious and will have you thinking about how soon you can go back for another slice! 

A popular spot in Godshill, Cook + Baker never disappoints with their freshly made pie of the day. These delicious pies change filling each week, but the quality of ingredients never changes, they’re always, simply delicious. Recent fillings have included Beef & Ale, Chicken and Leek, Ham & Parsley Sauce, Beef, Red Wine & Rosemary, Coq au Vin, Potato, Asparagus & Pea and so many more.

Also, in Godshill, The Taverners is inspired by its surroundings, meaning that their delicious seasonal menu is full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Island. One mouth-watering option on the menu is a classic Beef & Ale Pie made with braised local beef & their own ale pie encased in suet pastry, served with mustard mash, peas, and ‘proper gravy. A wholesome, hand-made pie served in a beautiful gasto-pub drenched in history.

The Garlic Farm, home to the iconic Island ingredient isn’t shy to showcase their black garlic in this tasty goatherders pie, served with creamed potato, Isle of Wight Soft and roasted roots. A trip to The Garlic Farm is always a treat, learning all about the garlic, buying some goodies to take home, but most-importantly tasting the ingredients in action at their restaurant. 

Does anything beat pie, mash, mushy peas with gallons of gravy? Wilkinsons Pies in Sandown offers exactly this. Simple yet brilliant. Choose from a selection of pies which have featured filled pies including BBQ pulled pork, lamb & ale, haggis and more! There are also a huge selection of other pies and pastries on offer.

Ok, so there’s no pastry in this one, but an ultimate favourite pie for many. The Fisherman’s Pie is a delicious dish of Smoked haddock, salmon, cod and prawns, topped with cheesy mash and served with fresh crusty bread, at a seafood restaurant favoured by visitors and locals alike. Overlooking Sandown Beach, The Ocean Deck uses fresh ingredients from Island fishmongers, serving quality seafood. 

If you simply need the pastry, but also want seafood, then you can visit The Crab Shed at Steephill Cove, serving Crab pasties as a tasty alternative.