Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd has teamed up with Marston’s to launch The Best Ever Pub Pie

For all the pie enthusiasts out there, a deliciously indulgent new creation is about to hit pub menus across the UK, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd has partnered with UK pub chain Marston’s to launch The Best Ever Pub Pie, a triple-layered beef cheek creation that will be served in pubs across Scotland for a limited time.

From April 17, the indulgent pie will be available for 12 weeks in over 100 Marston’s pubs across the UK, including five locations north of the border: Lockards Farm in Dumfries, The Highland Gate in Stirling, Old Gatehouse in Kirkintilloch, Camperdown Elm in Dundee, and The Pine Marten in Dunbar.

With nearly 200 years of history, Marston’s has been a cornerstone of the British beer and pub scene since 1834, when John Marston began brewing at the Horninglow Brewery in Burton upon Trent.

This marks the first time Shepherd has released the secret recipe for his signature pie, which won the main course round on Great British Menu in 2023 and earned him the honour of cooking it at the show’s coveted banquet.

The limited-edition dish is a pub-friendly version of his show-stopping creation, bringing high-end comfort food to local tables.

The triple-layered pie is filled with tender, hand-pulled beef cheek, sweet caramelised onions, and golden roast potatoes, all encased in a rich beef fat shortcrust pastry.

Each portion will be served with creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables, and a velvety red wine sauce, designed to offer a luxurious twist on a classic pub favourite.

Shepherd, who runs the Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Staffordshire, is an award-winning chef and entrepreneur with a passion for taking bold flavours to new audiences.

This collaboration with Marston’s is his first time sharing the acclaimed pie recipe with the public.

Tom has worked closely with the Marston’s development team to ensure the version served in pubs matches the original dish as closely as possible in both flavour and appearance.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Marston’s to give as many people as possible the chance to try my secret recipe,” he said. “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.

“The Best Ever Pub Pie will only be on the menu for 12 weeks, so don’t miss out!”

Claire Robertson, Director of Operations at Marston’s, added: “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.

“We’ve worked really hard together to create the most delicious dish possible. It’s rich, decadent and absolutely delicious. We can’t wait to introduce The Best Ever Pub Pie to customers across the UK from the 17 of April.”

To find your nearest pub serving the Best Ever Pub Pie, click here.