Pie Demand aim to bring something different to the pie world - the traditional flavours everyone knows and loves but with a modern twist. Each pie is lovingly made by hand from the freshest ingredients sourced from independent producers.

Starting out in their home kitchen in 2018, Brian and Laura quickly moved production to an arch at the rear of Carlisle Station.   A logical step was to make the short hop to retailing on the station itself and Pie Demand took advantage of Virgin Trains pop up initiative that aimed to help small local businesses grow by giving them the opportunity to trade at their stations.

When the trial pop up period was complete both Pie Demand and Avanti (having succeeded Virgin Trains) were keen for them to continue trading at the station so Amey PC&I agreed terms for a licence that would help them continue to grow their business at the station whilst putting them on a more commercial basis.

Fast forward a few years and Pie Demand’s business has thrived at the station and they have now committed to a longer term lease on a fixed kiosk which will officially open on 1 June 2026.

Amey PC&I are delighted to have helped this local business grow from a pop up to a fully fledged station tenant showcasing the best produce from the local region.  We look forward to supporting other start up companies make the same journey at Avanti’s stations.

Raynor Pearce at Avanti West Coast said ‘At Avanti, we’re committed to supporting the communities we serve by championing local businesses. The development of Pie Demand’s business at Carlisle is a great example of how working in partnership with local entrepreneurs can enhance the station experience while strengthening our connections with the region’.

It seems that Avanti’s customers are delighted too!