It’s all about the Pie!

We were overjoyed when The Windmill in Mayfair was nicknamed, ‘The Institute of Pie Excellence’ by Giles Coren in one of his 2004 Times restaurant reviews so when we were asked to take part in this year’s British Food Fortnight, what else could we showcase but our award-winning pies?

Throughout this foodie fortnight, taking place between Saturday 18th September and Sunday 3rd October 2010, we’ll be hosting our very own Pie and Pint Festival where we will be featuring our 10 most popular pies taken from our menus over the last 15 years. Ultimate classics steak and kidney, and steak and mushroom, of which we sell around 12,500 a year, in addition to Black Mountain pie (lamb, leek and rosemary), Highland pie (venison, Madeira and tarragon) and traditional pub favourites shepherd’s pie and fish pie will all make an appearance. We're even featuring dessert versions, Autumn sweet pie made with apple and bramble and a boozy old fashioned pie made with damson and sloe gin. Every pie will be served with your choice of 1/3 pint of real ale or cider absolutely free and will include; Old Hooky from Hook Norton brewery in Oxfordshire, Yellow Mellow from Caledonian in Edinburgh as well as local ales such as London Pale from Meantime in Greenwich and Sundancer from Twickenham Ales. Need a hand choosing? Our knowledgeable staff will be able to select the ideal pint to go with your pie.

Such is our commitment to pies; we started a Pie Club in January 2008 which now has 795 members. Membership is free and you can join up on our website. Each year our Pie Club President and MasterChef’s expert, Gregg Wallace, hosts an annual quiz putting your pie intellect to the test. As part of the membership fans also get to sample new recipes first, suggest new fillings and enjoy special events such as the Game Pie Festival coming up in October. Details will all be confirmed soon.

For more information on the activities happening throughout British Food Fortnight, the Pie and Pint Festival and Game Pie Festival please visit our website,

We look forward to seeing you.

Carl and Pauline Smith

General Manager The Windmill, 6-8 Mill Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2AZ, Tel: 020 7491 8050