Avanti West Coast is nearing the end of a short-run culinary experiment that has proved a hit with passengers: a limited-edition pie made with a bespoke ale brewed solely for the operator. The Steak and Tilting Ale pie, a one-off creation for the First Class menu, will be served for the final time on Tuesday 2 December.

The dish combines slow-cooked beef with Tilting Ale, a pale ale brewed exclusively for Avanti West Coast by RedWillow Brewery in Macclesfield. Encased in shortcrust pastry and topped with diced potato, the pie is paired with pickled red onion to complete the offering. The idea stemmed from the operator’s catering team, who wanted to elevate an existing product and create a standout seasonal option for autumn.

A total of more than 59,000 pies have been produced for the menu since its launch in September, marking one of Avanti West Coast’s most ambitious limited-edition food projects. It also forms part of the operator’s push to collaborate with local suppliers and highlight regional flavours onboard, particularly for those travelling in First Class.

Rob Taylor, Food and Beverage Development Manager at Avanti West Coast, said:

“We’re pleased to have brought the taste of Titling Ale to even more customers onboard our trains. Creating a new item for our First Class menu gave us the chance to bring together different suppliers and make something unique. This collaboration supports our commitment to championing small businesses and showcasing the best of the West Coast. Our Steak and Tilting Ale pie has been a firm favourite, and we hope more customers enjoy the West Coast’s taste of autumn before we welcome our new seasonal menu.”

For RedWillow Brewery, the collaboration has offered a new stage for its exclusive beer.

Caroline McKenzie, Owner and Co-Founder of RedWillow Brewery, said:

“We’re delighted to see Tilting Ale enjoyed in a completely new way. It’s a beer we brew exclusively for Avanti West Coast, so to have it celebrated in a dish that showcases local flavours feels like a perfect fit. As a small independent brewery, we love collaborations like this that bring great food and great beer together for customers on the West Coast Main Line.”

Image: Avanti West Coast