King’s Road Steak & Ale Pie 🟤🐉
Clan: Copper Dragon 🟤
Category: Tavern & Pub Classics
King’s Road Steak & Ale Pie
Travellers along the King’s Road know there is no finer reward after a long journey than a steaming Steak & Ale Pie served in a warm tavern. Rich beef is slowly cooked in a hearty ale gravy before being sealed beneath a golden puff pastry lid. Across the Copper Dragon realms, this pie is considered the very definition of tavern comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic British pub favourite
- Rich, hearty ale gravy
- Golden flaky pastry
- Perfect for colder evenings
- Great for entertaining
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Hours 30 Minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1kg braising steak, diced
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500ml ale
- 500ml beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Pie
- 500g ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
To Serve
- Chips or mashed potatoes
- Garden peas
- Extra gravy
Method
Step 1 – Prepare the Beef
Toss the beef in the flour until lightly coated.
Step 2 – Brown the Filling
Heat the oil in a large casserole dish.
Brown the beef in batches.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the Tavern Gravy
Add the onions and carrots.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Return the beef to the pan.
Step 4 – Summon the Ale
Add the ale, beef stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer.
Step 5 – Slow Cook the Filling
Cover and cook for 2 hours until the beef becomes tender.
Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 6 – Assemble the Pie
Transfer the filling to a pie dish.
Top with puff pastry.
Trim the edges and seal.
Brush with beaten egg.
Cut a small steam vent in the centre.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8 – Serve
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with chips, mash, or vegetables.
🐉 Dragon’s Tip
Let the filling cool slightly before adding the pastry to prevent a soggy bottom.
Adventurer’s Notes
🍺 Tavern Keeper’s Upgrade
Use a dark ale or stout for a richer gravy.
⚔️ Traveller’s Feast
Serve with thick-cut chips and mushy peas.
🥕 Harvest Variation
Add mushrooms or parsnips to the filling.
💰 Market Day Saver
Use stewing beef when it’s on offer and freeze portions for later.
🔥 Coaching Inn Method
Bake in individual pie dishes for authentic tavern presentation.
Lore of the Hoard
The coaching inns of the King’s Road became famous for serving enormous steak pies to weary travellers. Legend tells of a Copper Dragon innkeeper who challenged passing adventurers to finish an entire pie by themselves. Few succeeded, but those who did earned a free tankard of ale and their name carved into the tavern beams. To this day, Steak & Ale Pie remains the most requested dish in Copper Dragon taverns throughout the realm. 🟤🐉
