Is top chef's pub pie really the best ever?

The Mary Dillwyn in Fforestfach, Swansea, to sample Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd's Best Ever Pub Pie. Here's what she thought...

- Indigo Jones headed to

ONE thing to know about me is that I love pub grub. My first ever job was at 16, working as a waitress in my local, and this is where and when I realised you can get some of the best meals you'll have in your life from a pub. Their portions are often substantial, although it’s not a case of quantity over quality, and their prices are often more affordable than big chain restaurants. Essentially, you know you're going to get good value for money ina pub.

So, when I was invited to try Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd's Best Ever Pub Pie, I didn’t really know what to expect. I mean what constitutes the “best ever” in the world of pub pies?

The Best Ever Pub Pie was inspired by Tom's winning dish on the Great British Menu, and has returned to the chain of pubs due to popular demand following its original run in April.

Back in the day, one thing I used to think to myself as I was serving customers was “why would you order a pie in a restaurant, when you can get one from the chippy?”

It turns out, I never truly had a good pie until I reached my 20s and that is where this state of mind stemmed from. That's when I realised that a hearty combination of pie, mash and gravy is one of my favourite meals, and often something I now make in the house for myself and the family.

With this in mind, I headed to my local Marston’s pub, The Mary Dillwyn in Fforestfach, Swansea, to try their Best Ever Pub Pie and see for myself.

When I walked in, I knew I was ona mission. It was my job to figure out, do I think this is the best ever pub pie.

So, I did exactly that. I ordered it as it was suggested - with creamed mashed potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, kale, peas, green beans, mangetout, and a rich red wine sauce.