Clark's Pies facts for kids
 |
|
| Private | |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Founder | Mary Clark |
| Headquarters |
,
England
|
| Products | Pies |
Clark's Pies, often called "Clarkies," are very popular meat pies. They first started in Cardiff, Wales. Today, you can find them in Bristol, England, and across South of Wales. These pies are a well-loved snack for many people in these areas.
Contents
The Story of Clark's Pies
The Clark's Pies business began in 1909. Mary Clark started it all. Her first shop opened in 1913 in Roath, Cardiff. Later, in the 1930s, a second shop opened in Canton.
During World War II, the first shop had to close. This was because meat was rationed, meaning people could only buy a small amount.
Growing the Pie Business
Mary Clark's grandson, Dennis Dutch, opened a third pie shop. This was on May 10, 1955, in Grangetown. In 2005, he celebrated this shop's 50th birthday!
Later, the family sold the Clark's Pies business in Cardiff. This meant a different bakery took over.
Clark's Pies in Bristol
In the 1920s, Mary's son, Percy Clark, started his own pie shop. He opened it in Bedminster, Bristol. His sons, John, Ken, and Roger Clark, later took over the shop.
Today, Keith Prested owns Clark's Pies Ltd in Bristol. Roger's daughter, Dawn Clark, is also a director. The Bristol shop has been making pies since the 1930s. It is still at 259 North Street, Ashton Gate, Bristol.
What Makes a Clark's Pie Special?
The exact recipe for the pie filling is a secret! We know it contains beef, vegetables, and gravy.
One special thing about these pies is their thick pastry. It is so strong that the pie does not need a foil tray. Each pie also has the word "CLARPIE" stamped right into its pastry.
How to Enjoy a Clark's Pie
You do not need a knife and fork to eat a Clark's Pie. The pastry is thick and strong. This means you can pick it up and eat it without it falling apart.
It is best not to microwave these pies. Microwaving can make the pastry soft. This takes away its special firm quality.
The "Clark's Tash"
Sometimes, when you eat a hot Clark's Pie, the filling can burn your upper lip. People have a funny nickname for this: a "Clark's Tash"!
Famous Words About Clark's Pies
Many people love Clark's Pies, including some famous faces!
- Frank Hennessy, a well-known Welsh folk singer, said: "I can't remember not having a Clark's Pie." He also joked that the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff looks like a giant Clark's pie!
- Ian Holloway, a former football player and manager, once said: "There's some great things that have come out of Bristol – Clark's pies, a couple of football teams.... not sure about me, though!" He mistakenly thought the pie was invented in Bristol.
See also
In Spanish: Clark's Pies para niños
