Battersea Pie Station

Simply labelled 'The Pie Shop', expect nothing less than proper pie and mash at this great British eatery in Covent Garden Market. Although the exterior is rather traditional, step inside and you'll find marble tables, bright white tiles and a shiny counter, and the menu has also been given a modern twist. The pies here are quite exceptional and only British free-range meat and poultry and fresh vegetables are used. As for the all-important crust, the shortcrust pastry is beautifully firm, rich and buttery, just as it should be. More classic pies include steak and Guinness, free-range chicken and bacon and The Winstone steak and kidney (named after the one and only Ray Winstone), while the creative butternut squash and goat's cheese option offers a more contemporary take on the humble British pie. Of course, you'll also be needing silky smooth mash and oodles of gravy, and you certainly won't be disappointed here. Needless to say the fare is hearty, although the smaller 'baby' pies are ideal for smaller appetites. Not only is the food delicious, but the menu also represents excellent value for money, with pies starting at £5 to eat in. If you fancy enjoying the goods of Battersea Pie Station at your office or in the comfort of your own home, you're in luck: they're are also available to takeaway.