IF you like hearty, handmade pie goodness, then just head to Weymouth’s Park District.

The Handmade Pie and Alehouse overlooks the town’s train station from Queen Street which is perhaps not the most inviting gateway, but with its wooden beams and stained glass, the alehouse wouldn’t be out of place in the old parts of an historic town centre like Chester, York or Exeter.

Walking in from the street feels like entering another world.

The interior is beautifully decorated with original features like the beams, an alcove at the back and the chandelier in the restaurant upstairs.

The restaurant has only been open eight weeks, but you may have seen the pie van at the station earlier this year.

The alehouse states that it makes all its own pies every day and never keeps any over – so it may be a little hit and miss as to which pies are on offer on any one day and which are available.

I was slightly disappointed after having visited the slick website that the steak and Guinness pie and the fish pie were not on offer but I was impressed that there were three vegetarian options on the menu.

In total there were nine meat options – although a few were sold out by the time we got there – and various non-pie based dishes including beef lasagne, avocado and prawns, ravioli, chicken wings and sharing boards.

There are also various different ciders, beers, lagers and, of course, ales to try.

My friend and I went for the steak and stilton pie with mushy peas and ‘not your usual’ cheesy chips and The Triple C pie – cheesy chicken and chorizo, with garden peas and chips.

The presentation was simple and chic, with the chips presented in tiny frying baskets.

The cheesy chips were chips with melted cheese on the side, which was nice as you could dip as much or as little as you wanted.

Be warned pie fans – do not let appearances deceive you.

The pies may look medium sized but they defeated even our big appetites.

They were incredible – just bursting with ingredients and flavour.

The steak and stilton was said to be ‘amazing’, with just the right steak to stilton ratio.

My chicken and chorizo was great – cheesy with a definite spicy kick.

The chips were delicious too and obviously hand-crafted – chunky, crispy and fluffy – everything a proper chip should be.

The only thing I would say is definitely go to the alehouse hungry, because the pies are moreish and rich.

There was no way we could have managed dessert but there was a selection of sweets on the counter, chocolate cake and fruit cake, as well as teas and coffee to round off the meal if you wished.

The staff were friendly, kind and welcoming from start to finish.

The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and I think it could easily become a favourite haunt of mine. Considering I visited on a damp, cold and miserable Sunday evening the place was busy - a testament perhaps to the excellent food, warm welcome and fantastic prices.

The alehouse is unique, unpretentious and beautifully and lovingly designed. The food was delicious and the staff was hugely enthusiastic about the place, happy to show us round and obviously really enjoyed their jobs.

I highly recommend you try it for yourself!

The Handmade Pie and Alehouse 01305 459342

My bill

Steak and stilton pie £4.50

Cheesy chicken and chorizo pie £4.50

Garden peas £1

Mushy peas £1

Chips £2.50

Cheesy chips £3

Gravy £0.30p

Pint of Guinness £3.70

Pint of Thatchers Gold £3.15

TOTAL £23.65

RATINGS BOARD

Location: 3

Atmosphere: 4

Value for money: 5

Quality of food: 5

Service: 5

Comfort: 4

Family friendly: 4

Menu choice: 4

Overall rating: 4.5

Recommend to a friend: Yes!