AHEAD of British Pie Week next week, which takes place between Monday, March 4 and Sunday, March 10, we asked readers where the best places to get a pie in the county.

In no particular order, here are the best places to get a pie in Cumbria, as voted by you, our readers.

1: COTTAGE PIE BAKERY, DEARHAM

The small, family-run bakery, on Maryport Road, won an abundance of praise from readers.

It specialises in artisan breads as well as traditionally baked pies and savouries.

Michael Watson said: “Cottage Pie, Dearham - simply the best.”

Claire Blaney added: “Definitely Cottage Pie, Dearham - 100 per cent recommend going.”

The bakery was also praised several other News & Star readers, including Paul Blenharn, Cark Ackerley, Paul Kerr, Isabell Johnson and Courtney McTear.

2: STEVEN WILSON BUTCHERS, CARLISLE

Based on Corby Hill, the family butchers is open six days a week.

Sharon Searles said the butcher was the best in Cumbria.

“We come from Barnsley South Yorkshire and these are worth travelling for they are full of lovely steak and rich gravy and the pastry is rich light and airy never goes soggy like some you buy and all my friends and neighbours who have tried them say the same Suzanne Fullerton you tasted these.”

3: CRANSTONS BUTCHERS, CARLISLE

Established in 1914 in the Eden Valley village of Kirkoswald, the family business has expanded across the county, which shops in Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith, and Orton Grange.

Julie Scott posted: “Cranstons pies are the best.”

Amanda Claire Barnes added: “Cranstons Sausage and Apple pie is amazing.”

4: TONY HARRISON BUTCHERS, COCKERMOUTH

Run by Tony Harrison, the butchers on Main Street in Cockermouth was established in 1988.

Kevin Clark said: “Minted lamb pie from Harrison’s in Cockermouth, shortcrust base puff on top, full of meat.”

Ryan Mckenna also recommended the lamb and mint pie.

Betty Mason added: “Delicious, cannot be beaten.”

5 THOMASONS BUTCHERS & DELI, KESWICK

The traditional family butchers, based on Station Street in Keswick, was recommended by several readers.

Helen Shuttleworth tweeted: “Best Game pie... EVER! It’s one of only two things I miss about living in Keswick.”

6: PIONEER FOODSTORE, CARLISLE

The store, located on the Rosehill Estate in Carlisle, was recommended by Gillian Parker.

Winnie Fawkes said: “Pioneer large steak pies, yummy.”

7: FLIMBY PIE SHOP, FLIMBY

The Station Road store in Maryport is open six days a week.

Terry Warrior said: “Best in the county.”

Helen and Karl Langley said: “Flimby Pie Shop, without a doubt.”

Joan Eve said: “So many different fillings, hard to pick the best.”