It is a debate that has raged on for years on the streets of Bolton… Carrs or Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe?
Both of the much-loved bakeries have been essential parts of the town since before the Second World War.
And both have won over celebrity admirers from afar.
READ MORE: History of the pasty barm and Wigan Kebab and the Bolton bakery introducing new variations
Radio presenter Chris Evans has made no secret of his love for Carrs in the past, while YouTube star Danny Malin handed Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe a much coveted perfect score on his ‘Rate My Takeaway’ channel.
Of course the only people who can really decide are the good people of Bolton, and Manchester Evening News went out to ask people to have their say.
Maureen Durkin, 66, told the MEN that the viscosity of Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe’s filling is what swayed her.
“They have juice in them,” she said.
“You can bite the top off and drink the juice. You should have juice in a pie.”
Derek Crowder, 84, gave his vote to ‘consistent’ Carrs - where Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe can be a mixed bag.
He said: “At Carrs it’s good and the stuff inside is always the same.
“I may only go in twice a week, sometimes once a week, but I always vary it, but whenever I’ve gone I’ve always been well satisfied.”
Unfortunately not all the pasty shops in Bolton town centre are up to the same standards, according to Mr Crowder.
He added: “A lot of them, I’m not calling them... alright they’re two for a pound, but they’re not the same quality.
“The other day I got two from there and one of them was so undercooked, it just broke in me hands, I thought about taking it back, but I’m not one for complaining.”
Also giving their vote to Carrs were Leanne Ratcliffe, 46, and Jess Greeney, 16, who praised the store’s pasty barms.
They said: “It’s just better. They’re bigger for a start”
The pair also said that opening hours played a part in their decision.
“It’s open longer,” they said.
Upon hearing about the MEN's great pasty debate, Danny, 19, questioned: “Essentially, you’re just trying to start a war then?
“Personally...Carrs ain’t too bad… a bit pricey.”
While Kimberley Vickers stuck her fork firmly in the Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe side of the argument.
Explaining her reasons for choosing the 123-year-old institution, the 36-year-old said: “I just think the filling is a lot tastier in it, and it’s just more traditional isn’t it.
“[I get] the meat and potato pie. They do nice home-made cakes as well.
“I just prefer the pasties from Ye Olde...Carrs is nice as well but if I’m choosing between the two I’d go to Ye Olde Pasty Shop”.
Opinion seems fairly split on the streets of Bolton but which is your favourite? Let us know in the comment section below.
