Historic pie shop closes its doors after 185 years on high street as owner shares heartwarming message to customers

AN ICONIC pie shop that has traded for 185 years closed its doors for good on Saturday.

The historic butchers and piemakers in St Helen's, near Liverpool, announced it would close back in November 2024.

Burchall's on Westfield Street has supplied many generations of locals with pies – but no longer.

For almost 200 years it has been beloved for its juicy pork pies, quality meats and warm atmosphere.

The famous pies take a full 24 hours and a team of 11 staff to prepare, with handmade pastry and the meat processed on site.

It shifts anywhere between 500 and 700 pies each week.

The treasured brand's fifth-generation owner, John Burchall, 75, is retiring – and in doing so calling time on the business.

Loyal customers waited outside the door from hours before opening time this week to get a last taste of the famous pastry-cased offerings.

Queues snaked down the street as pie-lovers turned out in force to send off the shop.

But it's not just about the pies.

Locals wanted to take the final opportunity to experience part of St Helen's fabric, and to shake the hand of a Burchall behind the counter.

John told the St Helen Star: “I did put the business up for sale and had a few interests, but I’m not overly keen on selling because of the historical and family connection.

“I’ve been tempted to sell the recipe, but I would only do so if they implemented all the other aspects of what we do, to keep the quality of the products.

“It's a risk, so it's very nice to go out on top. After the award win, the queues out the door, and all the lovely comments, hopefully the business will be remembered fondly.”;

The award was the Pride of St Helens – bestowed onto John last year.

One of John's ancestors opened up the shop way back in 1840, just three years into Queen Victoria‘s reign.

It was originally launched by Joseph Burchall as a butchers shop on Church Street in St Helens town centre.

The business later expanded into bakery goods, with the help of Joseph's wife Elizabeth.

In 1921, the shop made the short jump to Westfield Street.

John began helping out at the bakery for some pocket money from the age of seven.

After leaving school, he spent time working in banks before returning to the family business in the 1970s at 27.

He took the helm when his dad died in 1995.

John chose the closing date to coincide with the anniversary of his father's death.