I recently met up with an old friend and former colleague, Josie, at Pieminister Deansgate—the bustling pie haven in Manchester. I had a £20 gift voucher to spend, which was actually meant for a birthday pie date with my friend Vic… but she couldn’t make it. Her loss. Rather than let the voucher sit unused, I turned it into the perfect excuse for a long-overdue catch-up with Josie instead.

🎉 The Deal We Aimed For: ‘Appy Meal (£10)

Pieminister’s oh‑so‑clever “’Appy Meal” deal (any pie + regular side + gravy for £10, available Mon–Fri, 12 – 4 pm) requires you to present the QR Code via their app to redeem the offer.
Having downloaded their loyalty app—complete with the usual “earn points, get free stuff” spiel and 200 points for signing up—I was confident we’d easily scoop the deal.

🚫 Plot Twist: Gift Card ≠ Deal Eligibility

Armed with QR codes and the app at the ready, I confidently placed our orders: the classic “Moo” for me (a reliable beefy favourite), and the “Big Cheese” for Josie (she’s a vegetarian last time I checked).

To our surprise, the server informed us: you can’t claim the ’Appy Meal deal if you’re paying with a gift card. Ouch. My life was over. Nowhere prior, neither on the app nor at the till, did we spot that caveat.
Only later, after a bit of digging, did I spot it buried in the app’s Ts&Cs. So yes, technically it’s there. But honestly? I only speak pie, so I must’ve missed that bit in the small print.

To save you the same frustration: don’t rely on a gift card if you're hoping to activate the app‑only deal.

🥧 The Pie Power Still Delivers

Despite the hiccup, the pies themselves didn’t let us down. I went for the “Moo”—a proper classic filled with tender British beef steak and rich craft ale gravy, all wrapped in golden, buttery pastry. Hearty, comforting, and exactly what you want from a pie on a slightly grey Manchester afternoon.

Josie (still repping her vegetarian status) opted for the “Big Cheese”—a gooey, glorious mix of vintage Cheddar, potato, leek, and Emmental. It’s one of those veggie options that even a meat-eater would eye up, especially when the cheese starts melting into every forkful.

We both, naturally, had mash on the side—because what is a pie without mash? It was smooth, creamy, and the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, glossy gravy that comes with every meal. No regrets, just carbs.

🖤 Pie & Atmosphere: A Match Made in Deansgate

Pieminister Deansgate isn't just about hearty pies; it's also a feast for the eyes. The interior boasts a stripped-back, industrial aesthetic that perfectly complements its city-centre location. Exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, and subtle lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere that's both modern and comfortable.

The space is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both quick bites and leisurely meals, making it ideal for solo diners, couples, or groups catching up over a pint and a pie. Whether you're there for a quick lunch or a relaxed evening, the ambiance enhances the dining experience, making each visit memorable.

⚖️ Showdown: Deal vs. Gift Card

Pros:

Wallet-friendly deal (if using app)
Tasty pies with well‑paired sides
Good atmosphere for a catch‑up

Cons:

Deal can’t be redeemed via gift card—a bit of a sting

✅ Final Slice

We ended up paying full price (minus the gift‑card balance), but still left full, warm, and reminded why Pieminister is such a favourite. Just note: if your goal is the cheeky ‘Appy Meal bargain, leave that gift card at home or at least check the fine print first.

And yes.. Vic, if you're reading this—I will get round to taking you out soon (pie or no pie)! The voucher may be gone, but the catch-up's still very much on the menu.

Have you or any of your dining pals had similar gift‑card vs. app‑deal issues at other spots? Always interesting to hear who’s pushing the small‑print boundaries.

Looking for more tasty deals and hidden gems like this? Head over to Find Dining where the best eats and offers are always just a click away. Your next delicious discovery awaits!

Not So ‘Appy: A Deansgate Pie Date with Unexpected T&Cs 🥧📵