Forget Sweet Pies, This New Jersey Shop Serves British Meat Pies And Traditional Pasties Worth Trying

A British pie shop in New Jersey sells a Chana Masala pasty right next to its classic Cornish one. That pairing alone tells you this kitchen likes to have fun with tradition.

The bakers make everything from fresh ingredients daily, and the savory side steals the show. Expect steak with mushrooms under flaky pastry, or shepherd’s pie crowned with mashed potatoes. There’s even a chicken curry pie nicknamed the Soccer Pie.

I appreciate that the owner brought these recipes all the way from Essex, England. The shelves also hold imported British candy, biscuits, and even dish soap, which feels wonderfully specific.

Sweet pies still get their moment here, including a weekend-only banoffee pie. But I’d probably start with the savory case and work my way toward dessert.

An Essex Baker Built This Little Slice Of England

Samantha Codling grew up in Essex, England, and she brought a serious love of British comfort food across the Atlantic. Her shop, The Pie Store, now turns out hearty pies and pasties for a New Jersey crowd.

The story didn’t start at its current home, though. Codling first ran a business called The London Food Company on Bloomfield Avenue.

In 2008, she moved and expanded into Watchung Plaza, a small and historic shopping area. That move gave the bakery room to grow into the spot it is today.

British and Irish expats in Essex County have a clear reason to stop by. A Cornish pasty or a fresh scone can taste a lot like home.

Curious locals get something out of it too. Not every town has a place where steak pie and sausage rolls are everyday lunch options.

I appreciate that the whole shop reflects one person’s background. It feels personal, not like a chain copying a British theme from a catalog.

Keep that history in mind as you scan the menu. Every pie here connects back to a real kitchen tradition from across the ocean.

The Savory Case Is Where Your Willpower Goes To Lose

Steak, mushrooms, onions, and garlic, all slow-cooked under a pastry lid. That’s the lineup inside the best-selling steak pie, and it sets the tone for the whole savory menu.

Shepherd’s pie is another classic worth a look. Seasoned ground beef, peas, and onion sit under a layer of golden mashed potatoes.

Vegetarians aren’t stuck with a side salad here. The Cheese, Potato and Onion Pie mixes mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and sharp cheddar.

That one can even come crustless, which is great news for filling fans. Some days the middle is the whole point anyway.

The menu also wanders off the map in fun ways. The Chicken Madras Soccer Pie blends chicken breast, yellow curry, potato, coconut milk, ginger, and garlic.

Then there’s the Hatch Green Chile Chicken ET Pie. It packs roasted Hatch chiles, celery, and a roasted tomatillo sauce with chicken breast.

These are full-sized pies built to be a real meal. I’d probably plan on sharing, or on very happy leftovers.

Ask what’s in the case that day before you settle on a favorite. A quick question could point you toward something new.

Grab A Pasty And Suddenly Lunch Fits In One Hand

Cornish miners helped make the pasty famous as a sturdy meal they could carry. The shape is a bit like an empanada, with a crimped crust sealing everything inside.

The Cornish Pasty here is a best-seller for good reason. It’s filled with ground beef, carrots, onions, and potatoes in the traditional style.

From there, the fillings get playful. The Steak and Cheddar Pasty brings steak chunks, mushrooms, and sharp cheddar together.

Craving something smoky? The BBQ Pork and Cheddar Pasty uses slow-cooked pulled pork, homemade barbecue sauce, and extra sharp cheddar.

Plant-based eaters have real choices too. The Chana Masala Pasty is packed with chickpea curry, tomato, cilantro, ginger, garlic, and spices.

The Sweet Potato, Blue Cheese and Onion Pasty is another vegetarian pick. It balances sweet and savory in a way that sounds made for chilly afternoons.

Lamb lovers can go for the Lamb and Feta Pasty, seasoned with garlic and rosemary. It gives a gentle Mediterranean twist to a very British format.

I can’t imagine leaving without at least one pasty in the bag. They might be the easiest thing on the menu to love.

Sausage Rolls Make A Strong Case For Snacking Small

Not every craving calls for a full pie. Sometimes you just want a golden pastry log of seasoned sausage, and that’s where the sausage rolls come in.

The shop offers them in both traditional and gourmet versions. Either way, the idea is simple: well-seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky pastry.

Sausage rolls are a true British bakery staple. In the UK, they show up at picnics, parties, and quick lunches all the time.

The Spanakopita takes a Mediterranean detour. This vegetarian puff pastry holds spinach, feta, onion, garlic, a hint of lime, and nutmeg.

Smaller bites like these make sampling much easier. You can try a few flavors without committing your whole appetite to one choice.

Planning for a group? A mix of these small pastries lets everyone pick a favorite.

Kids and picky eaters may find the sausage roll the friendliest door into British baking. It’s familiar enough to feel safe, yet still feels like a treat.

I appreciate that the shop treats its little items with the same care as its big ones. Good things clearly come in pastry-sized packages here.

Save Room, Because The Sweet Pies Didn’t Get The Memo

Yes, the savory menu runs the show, but dessert here refuses to sit quietly. The Double Crust Apple Pie is a steady best-seller.

Berry fans can grab the Double Crust Raspberry-Blackberry-Apple Pie. It mixes tart berries with apples for a bright, fruity filling.

Then comes the banoffee pie, a British favorite built on bananas and toffee. It’s usually a weekend-only treat, so plan your timing.

Fun fact: the name banoffee is just banana and toffee squished together. The British clearly don’t overthink their dessert names.

Key Lime Pie brings a sharp, zesty contrast to the richer options. Who knew a British pie shop would have such a strong citrus game?

Seasonal pies add extra variety through the year. Look for the Double Crust Cran-Apple Pie and traditional mince pies when the holidays roll around.

Hosting a party? The Coconut Custard Pie and Chocolate Mousse Pie are available by pre-order.

I’d call ahead for anything special so nothing gets left to luck. A dessert plan made early beats a scramble on the big day.

Savory first, sweet second sounds like a solid game plan. Nobody said you had to pick just one.

Scones And Custard Tarts Steal The Spotlight In Small Bites

Golden raisin, strawberry, and sharp cheddar. Those are just some of the scone flavors that rotate through the case.

Seasonal versions show up too, like cranberry-orange and pumpkin. That means the lineup can feel a little different depending on when you stop in.

Scones are a cornerstone of British teatime. A cheddar scone, though, makes a great savory snack all on its own.

Portuguese Egg Custard Tarts add a European twist to the counter. They feature creamy custard inside a crisp pastry shell.

These tarts are often a weekend-only special. If they’re on your list, a Saturday or Sunday visit gives you the best shot.

Everything still follows the shop’s fresh-ingredients-daily approach. The small treats get the same attention as the big pies.

I appreciate having a lighter option when a full pie feels like too much. A scone and a cup of tea is a pretty perfect afternoon.

They also make easy gifts for a neighbor or coworker. Few people complain when someone hands them a fresh scone.

Want to keep things simple? Grab one sweet scone and one savory, then let your taste buds decide the winner.

Pick up a few different flavors and compare. Consider it delicious homework.

The Grocery Shelves Feel Like A Care Package From London

Galaxy bars and Fairy Liquid dish soap, sitting on shelves in New Jersey. That combo tells you this bakery doubles as a real British market.

The imported goods cover plenty of ground. You’ll find British chocolates, biscuits, crisps, jams, sauces, and curry mixes.

For expats, these are the brands that make a kitchen feel familiar. For everyone else, it’s a fun way to explore snacks you won’t see at a typical supermarket.

Crisps, by the way, are what Americans call potato chips. British flavors can get pretty adventurous, so reading the bags is half the fun.

Holidays bring extra treats. Look for Easter chocolates in spring and Christmas crackers near the end of the year.

Christmas crackers are paper tubes that pop when two people pull them apart. Inside, there’s usually a paper crown, a small toy, and a corny joke.

I appreciate that the shop helps you cook British at home, not just eat it there. A curry mix and some biscuits can stretch the fun all week.

Bring a little extra bag space when you stop by. These shelves make impulse buys very easy.

Your Proper Cuppa Waits Just A Few Doors Down

A pie this good deserves a proper cup of tea. Luckily, the sister shop, The Tea Store, sits just a few doors away at 106 Watchung Avenue.

It specializes in UK imports and luxury teas from around the world. Shoppers can pick from loose-leaf and bagged options in dozens of varieties.

Bold black teas, fragrant herbals, and plenty in between line the shelves. Finding a match for your steak pie or scone shouldn’t take long.

The Tea Store carries its own British biscuits and candies too. It also offers sandwiches and some baked goods.

Having both shops so close makes planning easy. You can grab dinner at one stop and your tea at the next.

I love the idea of building a full British afternoon in one short stroll. Pie, scone, and tea is a pretty hard trio to beat.

Tea fans should give themselves time to browse. With so many varieties, a quick stop can easily turn into a tasting mission.

Ask for help if the choices feel overwhelming. A good recommendation can introduce you to a new favorite blend.

Here’s How To Plan A Smart Stop For Pies To Go

Montclair’s Watchung Plaza is home base, and The Pie Store sits at 100 Watchung Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043. It’s an easy stop for anyone exploring northern New Jersey.

The shop opens at 11 AM every day of the week. It closes at 5 PM most days and at 3 PM on Sundays.

Weekend shoppers get a bonus. That’s often when banoffee pie and Portuguese custard tarts make their appearance.

Plan to heat things up at home. Many items are sold cold, so a quick trip through your oven brings the pastry back to life.

That actually makes the shop handy for busy weeknights. Stock up on a few pies and dinner is basically handled.

Holiday hosts should think ahead too. Some desserts need pre-orders, and calling early keeps your plans stress-free.

I appreciate a place that makes comfort food this easy to bring home. You get a scratch-made meal without dirtying a single pan.

Pair your visit with a stop at the Tea Store, and you’ve got a full British outing. Not bad for a quick errand in Montclair.

Bring a list or bring an open mind. Either strategy ends with a heavier bag.