Marston's and Michelin chef create 'Best Ever Pub Pie'

Pub goers will have the choice of over 100 pubs to try 'the best ever pub pie', thanks to a new collaboration from Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd.

Shepherd (pictured) is sharing his secret pie recipe for the first time ever, giving Marston’s customers up and down the country the chance to enjoy a new version of a favourite pub dish, inspired by his banquet-worthy original.

The triple-layered pie is filled with hand-pulled beef cheek, caramelised onions and roast potatoes, all encased in a beef fat shortcrust pastry. The pie will be served with seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potato and a rich red wine sauce. It will be available to order in over 100 Marston’s pubs for 12 weeks from 17 April. 

"I’m so excited to be partnering with Marston’s to give as many people as possible the chance to try my secret recipe," says Shepherd. "I have been asked to share the recipe a lot, but it hasn’t felt like the right partnership, until now. For me, when I think of the pub, I think of a good pie, so I was delighted to have the chance to work with the Marston’s team to bring this pie to life. I can’t wait to see what people think."

Shepherd owns the Staffordshire based, Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. He appeared on Great British Menu in 2023, winning the main course round and the chance to cook his pie at the coveted banquet.

As part of the project, he has been working closely with the Marston’s development team to make sure that the pie is as close as possible in flavour and appearance as his iconic dish.

"Pies are some of the most popular dishes across our menus, but we wanted to do something extra special and when Tom Shepherd agreed to share his recipe, we were thrilled," adds Claire Robertson, director of operations at Marston’s. We’ve worked really hard together to create the most delicious dish possible."

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