There’s nothing less festive than a sad, soggy mince pie, so to save you all from pitiful pastry purchases, I went out to see what Bolton had to offer. 

First and foremost, we asked our readers’ opinions and the three most recommended bakeries were Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe on Churchgate, Mandy’s on Halliwell Road, and Armstrong’s on Morris Green Lane.

Off I went on my merry mission, happy to make a pig of myself in the name of journalism.  

The mince pies at Armstrong’s looked extra special, with a lovely holly leaf on top and a light dusting of icing sugar, and the owner told me they’ve been inundated with orders this year.

The flavours of this one were soft and balanced, very nice indeed, but the pastry for me was just a little dense, so I rated this one in third place.

Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe was a very strong contender. They looked chunky and rustic, and the pastry itself was in my opinion absolutely perfect: sweet, a great fresh, crumbly texture and the filling was wonderfully tangy and boozy.

It was a very, very hard call but in the end I had to go with Mandy’s mince pies this year! 

Beautifully presented in a festive box, I got six for £3.00 and they tasted like Christmas. 

I ate the lot and I have no regrets.

The Bolton News:


 

Prices: Armstrong’s - 40p each

Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe - 65p each

Mandy’s Bakery - 50p each