Venue: The Armoury Pub & Restaurant, Victoria Quay, Victoria Ave., Shrewsbury. SY1 1HH
Web Site: The Armoury
Date: 21st March 2018
Pie: Steak & Ale Pie
Temperature as eaten: Hot
Rating: 9.0
If you read my blogs regularly then you’ll know that The Armoury in Shrewsbury is is a regular haunt, and that’s not just for the selection of huge Whiskey and Bourbon, nor the fine selection of well kept Real Ale, nor is to for the fun and friendly staff that serve in the bar and restaurant, but because they serve up great food and in particular great pies. Of course the staff, the lively chatter, and the general relaxed atmosphere of the place really do add to a great night out which is why it’s a favourite. I’d go more often if there was a greater selection of pies on offer, but I keep returning as they keep the menu small and the quality high.
The Armoury it’s self is a lovely old building from the late 1800s and has had several uses over the years. It started out it’s life, as you may have guessed already, as an Armoury, but it was actually not located on Victoria Quay where it is now, it was moved there after the First World War war when building materials were in short supply and “re-use” was common place. Following the war The Armoury was used as a Convalescence Home, more recently as a Bakery and now of course a fine Pub and Restaurant.
And so to the pie…..
The Steak & Ale pie was served with a selection of seasonal greens and twice cooked chips, although on the menu it stated Creamy Mash, they are very accommodating at The Armoury and will tweak your order as you desire. Weirdly the pie was served upside down on the plate, a bit like you would serve a Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding, I know not why, but I observed that others partaking of this menu item were similar served. So for the purposes of conformance (and a little OCD) I turned the pie the right way up before taking the pictures below. The shortcrust pastry was light and well cooked with just the right amount of crunchiness at the crimped edges, there was a slight air gap when I cut into the pie, but this is normal for a hot pie of this type. The filling was hot, full and chunky with the steak falling apart in the mouth, no fat or gristle, just succulent pieces of beef steak in a delicious thick gravy that was seasoned well and I think I detected a hint of rosemary and garlic too, but nothing overpowering. A combined mouthful of greens, chip and pie was very satisfying and I have to admit there was a clean plate at the end of the meal.
I’d recommend a visit to The Armoury if you are in the area, and especially during the coming summer months as long as you are not the designated driver a pie and a pint of ale would be a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening by the river. Yes, I’ll be back.
HF.
The Armoury just after WWII
