Islington’s most famous pie shop has hit the big time by partnering with one of the world’s best-selling brewers for London Beer Week.
Guinness approached Piebury Corner in Holloway Road and asked pastry pioneers Paul and Nicky Campbell to come up with a pair of pies using the brand’s new porter ales.
The “Dublin Porter Coddle Pie” and the “West Indies Porter Jerk Chicken Pie” will be on offer all week from Tuesday, at the shop that started off as a garden stall four years ago.
Paul Campbell, a Guinness drinker who runs the shop with his wife Nicky, said they were star-struck when they got the call.
“We were amazed,” he said, “It’s just what we needed to lift the brand up and give us exposure.
“It’s nice to be recognised, especially by Guinness as they’re as big as it gets – it was a done deal before we even put the phone down.
“The two porters are really great ingredients, perfect for the new pie creations.”
The coddle pie is based on a traditional Dublin stew while the spicy jerk chicken pie, Mr Campbell’s favourite, is packed with tender pieces of chicken breast and full of Caribbean flavours.
The two new porters released by Guinness are reinterpretations of original recipes from brewers’ at Dublin’s St James’s Gate Brewery in the late 18th and early 19th century and will only be served at selected venues during London Beer Week.
Mr Campbell said the fact that Guinness chose to work with Piebury Corner shows how far the area has come.
“They were obviously looking at the market for a London brand to go with for beer week and I think because of our story we were a good match,
“We’re not a traditional pie and mash shop, we’re big on our beer and we’re big on our music.
“It’s a big thing for us as most of our trade is on match days.
“Holloway Road is on the up, it’s not just a trunk road anymore, there are more restaurants springing up.
“It’s transforming to that coffee shop culture you see on Upper Street.”
You can taste the new pies at Piebury Corner from tomorrow, with a pie, side dishes and a Guinness all for just £8 to London Beer Week wristband holders.
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