A town with a unique culture and history, the taste buds of St Helens are no less unique.
From 'pea wet' to pies with a legendary status in the area, there are no shortage of well loved dishes that people from outside of the former Lancastrian town may raise an eyebrow at. The ECHO spoke to some proud 'Sintellinsers' to see what 'traditional' St Helens delicacy they associate most with the town.
Burchall's Pies
Currently the oldest shop in the town centre, Burchall's Pies on Westfield Street has been serving the local community for over one hundred years. The quality of the pies served up have granted the business legendary status in St Helens and beyond.
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Speaking to the ECHO last year, owner John Burchall said: "We've been going around 100 years on this premises this year. I'm fifth generation. It started with my great, great grandfather and my great great grandmother.
"My great, great grandfather was a butcher and my great, great grandmother was a baker. So when they got together it was like 'I do pastries, you do meat, let's give it a go'.
"It's very much an honour really. I feel very humbled that I've managed to keep it going. I took over from my dad, he was a great man and I think people had their doubts whether I could hack it because I didn't come from a butchering background."
ECHO readers were quick to heap praise on the pies. Paul Dean said: "It's got to be Burchall's pies, best in the country."
A 'split' and pea wet
One of the more peculiar things to ask for in a chip shop, and something that might get you a funny look if you dare to order it outside of St Helens. A 'split' is actually quite simple: it is a portion of chips and peas, often accompanied by a fish.
The name is what makes this otherwise quite common dish so St Helens. It can be modified however, with the addition of 'fish scraps' another popular St Helens delicacy. When the question of the 'most St Helens dish' was put to ECHO readers, Eric Pearce said: "Split with scraps and fish with curry."
While Robert Kirk added: "Split fish and curry." As well as a split, another quirky pea based St Helens delicacy is 'pea wet'. Which is essentially the liquid left from mushy peas, also enjoyed in neighbouring Wigan. Mark Fairclough said: "Pea wet."
Pimblett's Pies
The other pie giant, alongside Burchall's, Pimblett's was founded a century ago in 1921 by John and Mary Pimblett, and has been a staple in St Helens for many years. In 2008 the recession forced the company to hand over production of the pies to Arthur Bevan of Pimmies Pies Ltd, until 2021 when Pimblett's purchased the business back.
Pimblett's and Pimmies Pies were both favourites in the area, with the original St Helens branch of the bakery being popular with workers due to its location on Jackson Street, Westside Industrial Estate. People from all over the borough have sworn by Pimblett's Pies for over a century.
Gary Taylor said: "Pimmies pies definitely."
Honourable mentions
There are many more unique and acquired tastes enjoyed by those who reside in St Helens. Several readers suggested 'Clock Face crisps'. These were an old snack, produced in the town until the factory closed its doors in the 1970s.
While Mike Hornby suggested: "Barton's Piccalilli." Barton's is a historic St Helens institute; based in the town since 1905.
