The Best Beers for Steak and Ale Pie: Our Top Picks
Steak and ale pie is only as good as the ale you build the gravy from. You want an English ale with body and a touch of bitterness to balance the rich beef filling. These four are proper pie ales, and yes, keep one back to drink with the finished pie.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuller’s London Pride | English Bitter | 4.7/5 | The traditional choice |
| Newcastle Brown Ale | English Brown Ale | 4.2/5 | A nutty, malty pie |
| Old Speckled Hen | English Pale Ale | 4.2/5 | A touch of sweetness |
| Bass Pale Ale | English Pale Ale | 4.2/5 | A lighter, classic ale |
Steak and ale pie was built around English ale, so pour the same style you cook with. Malt meets malt and everything lines up.
The Best Beers for Steak and Ale Pie, Reviewed
Fuller’s London Pride
The benchmark. Its balanced malt and gentle marmalade hop give the gravy that classic pub-pie depth without turning bitter. Read the full Fuller’s London Pride review.
- Rich malt with marmalade hops
- Superb balance
- A classic English ale
- Low on fizz
- Not for dedicated lager drinkers
Newcastle Brown Ale
Nutty and smooth, it reduces down into a rich, glossy gravy that clings to the beef. Read the full Newcastle Brown Ale review.
- Nutty caramel malt
- Smooth and easy
- A classic brown ale
- Slightly sweet
- Low hop character
Old Speckled Hen
A little more toffee sweetness here, which rounds off the filling and takes the edge off any bitterness in the reduction. Read the full Old Speckled Hen review.
- Toffee malt and fruity hops
- Smooth and rounded
- A reliable classic
- A touch sweet
- Not for hop chasers
Bass Pale Ale
The old-school choice. Bass brings a light, biscuity backbone that lets the beef and the pastry do the talking. Read the full Bass Pale Ale review.
- Balanced malt and hops
- Classic English character
- Easy to pair with food
- Less punchy than modern pales
- Can taste a little dated
The dish that gives you a proper pie
A deep ceramic dish holds enough filling for a real steak and ale pie and gives you crisp pastry on the bottom, not a soggy base.
Steak and Ale Pie and Beer: FAQs
What ale is best for steak and ale pie?
A traditional English ale. Fuller\’s London Pride is the classic, with rich malt and marmalade hops that mirror the gravy. Newcastle Brown Ale works if you want it nuttier.
Can I drink the same ale I cook the pie with?
Absolutely, and it is the smart move. The malt in the glass echoes the malt in the gravy. If you fancy a change of pace, try our pick of ales for stew.
Related pairings: ale for stew, beer with fish and chips, beer for corned beef.
