A pie shop is a type of food retailing business that sells a limited menu of take-away or “fast” foods, but focuses mostly on pies. Although most pie shops sell traditional pies, there are some shops that specialize in other kinds of baked goods. Many pie shops also sell beverages and allow customers to dine inside the shop, despite the take-away nature of the establishment. Pie shops are probably more popular in certain parts of the United Kingdom and Australia than anywhere else in the world. Still, it’s not impossible to find pie shops in other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
Most pie shops sell the traditional kinds of sweet pies we think of when we think of pies. Depending on the pie shop, customers might find common kinds of pies like cherry pies, apple pies, and blueberry pies for sale. Other typical pies include lemon pies, blackberry pies, and pumpkin pies. Some pie shop bakers might mix fruits to create interesting flavor combinations, or they might create pie recipes unique to their shops. Other pie shop bakers might sell exotic types of pies made from fruits that are indigenous to their part of the world, but uncommon in other parts of the world.
Not all pie shops sell only traditional pies. For example, some pie shops also sell pasties or pastries, which are pastry-wrapped baked goods similar to traditional pies but with crusts that enclose all the filling ingredients. Too, not all pie shops sell sweet pies, or even pies made with fruits and other common kinds of ingredients. Meat pies, for instance, are similar to traditional pies but their fillings consist of meat and other savory ingredients. A meat pie might consist of pork, chicken, beef, or liver and usually includes various kinds of vegetables.
Sausage rolls are another common kind of food served at pie shops. Usually, sausage rolls consist of sausage enclosed with puff pastry wraps. These rolls might be served hot or cold.
Even though many pie shops are designed for take-away food ordering, some have menu items as well as tables and booths which allow for in-restaurant dining. For example, customers might be able to order entire pies to go, or they might order individual pie slices to eat in the pie shop. Depending on the pie shop, customers might be able to order coffee and other drinks, too. Some pie shop menus make the shop a popular destination for breakfast and lunch. Generally, pie shops aren’t common locations for supper or dinner.