Simple Simon’s Perfect Pies might be a bit of a mouthful, but once discovered, it’s a name you might want to keep on the tip of your tongue.
With puff pastry so flaky and light it melts in the mouth and creative fillings such as haggis, neeps and tatties and cheese with caramelised onions, these pies are sold as a complete meal (although we had some side dishes to complement as the pies alone would have been a very light dinner.)
Handmade in a converted barn in the tiny village of Coulter near Bigger, these are certainly posh pies – there are even suggested wine pairings on the packaging. The company uses only local produce, and provenance is an important feature.
There are 12 different fillings, including meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free, and each 250 gram pie has a corresponding pie slice for an “on the go†treat. A seasonal pie is also produced by the 7-strong award-winning pie making team.
The pies we sampled – chicken and tarragon and steak and mushroom – were delicious and devoured in minutes. We liked the distinct dome shape and that the chicken and tarragon pie was sprinkled with poppy seeds – a nice finishing touch. Both our pies had just the right amount of seasoning.
With the huge focus recently on plastic waste, the company has joined many in the food and drink industry and redesigned the packaging, replacing much of the plastic with recyclable cardboard. There is still a small plastic window to view the pies.
Fiona Anderson, Simple Simon’s owner, is keen to lessen the company’s environmental impact.
“We are conscious of the backlash against plastic and got rid of as much of it as possible, instead deciding to introduce recyclable cardboard boxes,†she explained.
These pies may cost a bit more than your average, however they are pretty much perfect and definitely could be served up to guests. Just recycle the packaging fast and they’ll never know that they are shop bought!
Pies cost £4.95 or £10 for four slices and are available online simplesimonspies.com or from Waitrose, Wholefoods, Dobbies, and various farm shops, farmers markets, food shows and from QVC shopping channel.