Food review: We visit Birmingham's Pieminister – pies with substance, style, and a crunch of nostalgia

Pieminister continues to prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be predictable. Their menu walks the line between hearty tradition and playful invention, with just enough flair to make you feel like you’re indulging in something a little bit clever.

I visited with my friend Dale Chatwin, a Black Country author with a novel called The Bobhowler due out this July. While his book explores grief, folklore, and long-lost mines, our focus that day was very much above ground - and very much on pork and pastry.

We started with Honey & Mustard Pigs and Pork Scratchings, the latter served with apple sauce. As connoisseurs of pork scratchings by birthright, we approached with cautious optimism - and were impressed. These weren’t the tooth-threatening, hairy knuckle-dusters of our youth. These were crisp, clean, and full of flavour.

The apple sauce was a welcome twist, offering just the right touch of acidity to lift the richness. The sausages, too, were a cut above - succulent, sticky, and seasoned to perfection.

For my main, I went for the Moo - a British beef steak and craft ale pie - with a Honey & Mustard Pig stick and a side of cheesy mash. It felt like the quintessential choice: a familiar classic with depth.

The meat was tender and generously packed, with a rich, peppery filling that had just enough warmth to give it character without overpowering the steak. The mash was creamy, consistent, and carried its cheese content with confidence rather than arrogance. It didn’t steal the show, but it absolutely deserved its place on the stage.

Dale chose the Deer & Beer - wild British venison, milk stout, chestnut mushroom and thyme - with a Yorkie Pud stick and the same cheesy mash. He described it as “a big hit of umami flavours, with the venison meat complementing the meaty, earthy chestnut mushroom, brought together with a creamy and smooth milk stout gravy.” His words, not mine - and frankly, bang on. The pastry was well-structured and flaked in all the right places, holding the bold flavours together without falling apart.

Service was, as ever, faultless. A special mention to Roo, who was friendly, patient, and full of positive energy - exactly the kind of presence you want when you’re sitting down to proper food.

Pieminister remains one of the most consistent places in the city for anyone craving comfort, quality, and a bit of personality. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or a long catch-up with an old mate, the pies speak for themselves. And what they say is: come hungry, leave satisfied, and don’t skip the mash.