A Taste of England: Why the Classic Cornish Pasty Still Reigns Supreme

When you think of British food, a few icons come to mind - Sunday roasts, full English breakfasts, fish and chips by the sea. But down in the far southwest corner of England, there's a pastry that quietly holds its own, wrapped in flaky crust and filled with tradition: the Cornish pasty.

Here at 4&20 Pasty Company, pasties aren’t just something we bake - they’re something we believe in. A proper pasty tells a story. It brings people together. And it always, always hits the spot.

British Food: No Frills, All Flavor

British food has a reputation for being hearty - and it is! And that’s what makes it great. It’s food that sticks to your ribs, keeps the weather at bay, and comforts the soul.

The Cornish pasty is the perfect example:

· Portable

· Filling

· Full of down-to-earth flavor

From the lunchboxes of miners to the hands of hungry holidaymakers, the pasty has fed Britain for generations.

Born in Cornwall, Baked with Heart

Legend has it that the pasty was created for Cornish tin miners, a tough lot working long shifts underground. They needed something easy to carry, easy to eat, and packed with sustenance.

The crimped edge? That wasn’t just decoration, it was a clever handle the miners could hold with grubby hands, then toss away. No need for utensils, plates, or even a breakroom.

Traditional Cornish pasty filling:
- Diced beef
- Potato
-  Onion
- Swede/Rutabaga (or “turnip” in Cornwall)
- A pinch of salt and pepper

All tucked into a golden, buttery, shortcrust shell—baked to perfection.

At 4&20 Pasty Company, we honor that tradition, but we’re not afraid to get a little creative too.

What Makes Our Pasties Special?

Every pasty that comes out of our oven is made with care, using quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.

We believe in:
- Real, honest food
- Recipes rooted in heritage
- Flavors that speak for themselves

From our classic Cheese & Onion Pasty to exciting new takes (think Lamb & Mint, or Chicken Tikka pasty), there’s something for every kind of pasty lover.

Serving Tips: The Cornish Way

A Cornish pasty is best served warm (not hot) or even left to cool down to room temperature, that’s how they’ve always been enjoyed.

Pair it with:

· A dollop of brown sauce or English mustard

· A side of pickle, coleslaw, or chutney

· And of course… a good strong brew or a cuppa tea

Fancy a Taste?

We ship our pasties fresh and packed with career - ready to enjoy wherever you are in the USA.