Forget Sweet Pies, This Georgia Shop Serves British Meat Pies And Authentic Cornish Pasties

Steak and kidney pie is sitting in a freezer case in Georgia, right next to Lamb Shepherd’s Pie and Cornish pasties. That alone made me stop scrolling.

The shop started in 1989, thanks to a Scottish family who wanted a real slice of home. Today a London native runs it and flies to the UK to hunt down new goodies herself.

I like that kind of personal touch.

The shelves go way beyond pies. Think Heinz beans, mushy peas, Walker’s crisps, Cadbury bars, and loose-leaf teas with very proper names.

There’s even a cafe corner serving Afternoon Tea with scones.

I believe every state needs one spot that feels like a passport stamp without the airport lines. This one might be Georgia’s best shot.

So which do you grab first, a sausage roll or a teacup?

Savory Pies Are The Real Stars Behind That Freezer Door

Steak and kidney pie is the dish that tells you exactly where you are. At Taste of Britain, savory pies take center stage, and sugar plays a supporting role.

The house-made lineup is frozen so you can heat it at home. Options include Beef Cottage Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, and Lamb Shepherd’s Pie.

That frozen format is actually clever. You can stock up on a weekday and have a British dinner ready on Sunday, when the shop is closed.

Cottage pie and shepherd’s pie often get mixed up in America. Here’s the simple trick: cottage pie uses beef, while shepherd’s pie uses lamb.

Chicken Pot Pie is the friendly bridge for picky eaters. It feels familiar, so it works for anyone nervous about kidney in a pie.

My advice is to buy two different pies on your first trip. Try one right away and save the other for a lazy night.

Pick up some mushy peas or Heinz beans from the shelves too. A British pie without a proper side feels a little lonely on the plate.

Cornish Pasties Bring A Whole Meal Wrapped In Pastry

Cornish miners needed a lunch they could carry underground, and the pasty answered the call. Its thick crimped edge worked like a built-in handle.

Taste of Britain keeps that tradition alive with authentic Cornish Pasties. They’re filling, sturdy, and made for hungry people with places to be.

Vegetarians aren’t left out, either. A Cheese & Onion Pasty sits on the menu, and it’s a cozy choice on a chilly Georgia afternoon.

Then there are Sausage Rolls. These flaky little bundles are a classic British snack, perfect for parties or a quick bite at your desk.

Pasties make great freezer backups for busy families. Pop one in the oven, set a timer, and dinner basically makes itself.

Here’s a fun tip for first-timers. Eat a pasty with your hands, at least once, the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Pair it with a tangy chutney from the shop’s pantry shelves. That sweet and sharp kick plays nicely against buttery pastry and a peppery filling.

You may never look at a plain sandwich the same way again.

Bangers, Beans, And Breakfast Staples Fill The Shelves

A full English breakfast needs specific parts, and swapping in random sausage just won’t cut it. That’s where English-style bangers come in.

Taste of Britain carries bangers alongside pantry favorites like Heinz beans and mushy peas. Suddenly a proper fry-up at home feels very doable.

The aisles also hold sauces, soups, jams, and marmalades. You could build an entire British breakfast table without leaving Norcross.

Biscuits deserve their own shout-out. Hobnobs and shortbread are waiting, and both are suspiciously good at disappearing during tea breaks.

Walker’s crisps and Cadbury chocolates round out the snack situation. British Cadbury tastes different from the American version, which is half the fun of comparing.

Planning tip: make a short list before you arrive. The shelves are full, and it’s easy to wander off chasing sweets you’ve only seen on British TV.

Can’t find something? Ask the staff.

Friendly, knowledgeable help is part of the shop’s reputation, and personal recommendations can save you from guessing at mystery labels. You might leave with a new favorite you never knew existed.

Afternoon Tea Turns An Errand Into A Tiny Celebration

Scones, tea sandwiches, and a pot of something warm make a strong case for slowing down. The cafe at Taste of Britain serves Afternoon Tea, and it feels like a mini holiday.

The menu includes tea sandwiches, seasonal salads, house-made soups, scones, pastries, and desserts. Pea and mint soup is one of the house options.

Kids get their own Afternoon Tea option. That’s a sweet way to introduce young ones to fancy manners and very small sandwiches.

Gluten-free selections are available too. Guests with dietary needs don’t have to sit and watch everyone else enjoy the scones.

An Afternoon Tea makes an easy plan for birthdays or a catch-up with a friend. It also works for any day that simply needs a little extra charm.

Here’s a quick etiquette fact. Afternoon Tea is the light, dainty meal, while high tea historically meant a heartier evening supper.

Grab a jar of jam or a tin of loose-leaf tea on your way out. That way the fun keeps going at your own kitchen table.

A Wall Of Loose-Leaf Tea Will Test Your Decision Skills

Earl Grey or English Breakfast? That simple question gets harder once you see how many fine loose-leaf teas line the shelves.

Taste of Britain stocks Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Irish Breakfast. Each one has its own personality.

Assam is bold and malty, a great wake-up cup. Darjeeling is lighter and often called the champagne of teas, minus the bubbles.

Earl Grey gets its bright flavor from bergamot, a citrus fruit. Irish Breakfast tends to be strong and pairs well with milk.

New to loose-leaf? Start with English Breakfast.

It’s friendly, familiar, and forgiving if your brewing time runs a bit long.

Loose tea needs a strainer or infuser, and the shop carries tea accessories too. You won’t have to make a second trip just for gear.

Tea time feels more special in a pretty cup. That’s another reason to wander toward the giftware section before checkout.

A good tea also makes an easy, thoughtful present for teachers, neighbors, or that friend who already owns everything.

Fine China And Quirky Gifts Make Browsing Dangerous For Your Wallet

Food might lure you in, but the giftware keeps you there longer than planned. Fine china from Dunoon, Emma Bridgewater, and Roy Kirkham fills the displays.

Mugs, teacups, tea kettles, and tea accessories round out the kitchen corner. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone building a proper tea setup.

The gift side doesn’t stop at dishes. Taste of Britain also carries books, fashion accessories, fragrances, and novelty gifts.

Children’s giftware has its own spot. Shopping for a niece or grandson suddenly becomes much easier, and much more British.

Emma Bridgewater pottery is known for its cheerful spongeware designs. It’s made in Stoke-on-Trent, a city famous for English pottery.

Holiday shoppers should take note. The shop is a smart place to find something truly different for a birthday or Christmas gift.

Set a budget before browsing, or at least pretend to. Between sparkly teacups and clever novelty items, self-control becomes a fun challenge.

Your future self, sipping tea from a beautiful mug, will likely forgive any small splurge along the way.

Three Decades Of British Charm Started With One Scottish Family

Back in 1989, a Scottish family had an idea that sounded a little bold for suburban Georgia. Founder Sam Cameron opened a British shop in Historic Norcross.

That shop became Taste of Britain, and it has now served customers for well over 30 years. It proudly calls itself Atlanta’s Premier British Shop.

Leadership changed hands over time. Current owner Roxy Aguilar is a native of London, England, which gives the place real hometown credibility.

She travels to the UK regularly to source new and unique items herself. That personal hunt keeps the shelves from feeling stale or predictable.

Growth followed naturally. In 2022, the store expanded its physical space so it could carry even more British brands.

National attention came too. Tea Time, a well-known tea magazine, featured the shop in its May 2020 issue.

Few small businesses last this long. When one does, it usually means people keep coming back for something they can’t easily find anywhere else.

For British expats and curious Anglophiles alike, that something is a comforting taste of home.

Historic Downtown Norcross Makes The Trip Feel Like A Day Out

Location matters, and this one adds bonus points. The shop sits at 73 S Peachtree St, Norcross, GA 30071, right in Historic Downtown Norcross.

Norcross is an Atlanta suburb with a quaint yet lively downtown. Restaurants and specialty shops line the area, so your outing can easily stretch past one stop.

Make it a half-day plan. Grab your pies and teas, then stroll the neighborhood and see what else catches your eye.

Timing is simple to remember. Taste of Britain opens Monday through Saturday from 10:30 in the morning until 6 in the evening.

Sundays are closed, so don’t plan a weekend scone craving around that day. Saturday works great for a relaxed browse.

Bring a cooler bag if you’re buying frozen pies. Georgia heat is no friend to pastry, especially during the long summer months.

Visitors from out of town should add this stop to any Atlanta-area itinerary. It’s a fun detour that feels like a quick trip overseas without a passport.

Just leave room in the trunk for treats you didn’t plan to buy.

Can’t Make The Drive? Your Pasty Can Still Find You

Living far from Norcross doesn’t mean missing out entirely. Taste of Britain offers online ordering and shipping for many of its products.

Curbside pickup is another handy option. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone who wants to skip browsing and simply grab their order.

Frozen items need a little strategy, though. The shop has advised that next day air or cooler weather makes the best choice for shipping frozen goods.

Plan ahead with that in mind. Order your Cornish pasties in fall or winter, and save summer orders for teas, sweets, and pantry goods.

Online shopping also makes gifting simple. Send a tin of biscuits or a box of British chocolate to a homesick friend across the country.

Of course, an online cart can’t fully match the real store. Seeing the china displays and the cafe in person is a different kind of treat.

Still, it’s comforting to know the shelves are only a few clicks away. For British food lovers anywhere, Georgia’s favorite British shop is never truly out of reach.

Your next pie night could arrive right at your front door.