Pioneering Bristol pie firm Pieminister has teamed up with Bath Ales, selecting its flagship Gem bitter as a key ingredient for a number of its products.
The premium amber ale, which is made at Bath Ales’ brewery at Warmley, on Bristol’s outskirts, is being used by Pieminister in its celebrated classics the Moo steak and ale and Kate & Sidney (steak and kidney) pies.
It is also included in the new Mexicow, described by Pieminister as a hot chilli pie with an oozy layer of West Country cheddar.
Pieminister has been making pies in Bristol for nearly 15 years, opening its first venue in Stokes Croft in 2003.
Since then it has gained a national reputation for its range of pies and for always using the finest ingredients, most of them from local organic and ethically sourced suppliers, including free range British meat.
It has also previously made pies with beer from Brew Dog and Bristol Beer Factory.
Pieminister’s award-winning pies, including the three made using Gem, are available nationwide in selected Waitrose branches and online through Ocado.
Moo is also stocked in Co-op stores across the UK, or at one of Pieminister’s 14 restaurants and cafés.
Gem is Bath Ales’ most celebrated beer brand and has also won a clutch of awards.
Pieminister managing director Tristan Hogg said: “We’ve always worked hard to source ingredients as close to our kitchens as we can, so we’re delighted to put this locally-brewed beer in our pies.
“Gem’s hoppy, malty aromas are perfect for slow-cooked beef recipes, giving our pies just the right richness we’re after.”
Bath Ales senior brewer Darren James added: “Gem has established itself as a celebrated beer with a loyal following in the south west and beyond. It’s a flavoursome ale and we’re delighted that it’s been chosen by Pieminister as a key ingredient.
“Like Pieminister, Bath Ales uses only the finest ingredients to passionately create its beers. We only make beer that we’re proud to brew and proud for drinkers to enjoy.”
St Austell, the Cornish brewery and pubs group that acquired Bath Ales last year, is now investing heavily in the brewery at Warmley to double production of Gem and its other beers and also introduce new bottling and canning lines.
Pictured: Tristan Hogg from Pieminister, left, Darren James of Bath Ales
