The Shelby family and their circle are remembered for their sharp style, strong bonds, and larger-than-life personalities. But imagine them gathered in a pub – what meals would they choose?
From Thomas Shelby’s no-fuss approach to Curly’s straightforward tastes, each plate reflects something about their character and their role within the world of Peaky Blinders.
This article is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The foods suggested are inspired by the characters and are not official references from the series. Taste, appearance, and availability may vary, and photos are for illustrative purposes.
1. Thomas Shelby – Steak Pie With Mash
Leaders need sustenance that matches their ambition, and nothing says authority quite like a perfectly crafted steak pie. Tommy would appreciate the tender chunks of beef nestled in rich gravy, encased in golden pastry that requires both skill and patience to master properly.
The creamy mashed potato alongside provides the comfort he rarely allows himself to show. This classic combination reflects his calculated approach to everything, choosing quality over flashiness whilst maintaining that essential working-class Birmingham connection.
2. Arthur Shelby – Big Steak Pie
When your temperament runs as hot as Arthur's, you need a meal that can match your intensity. A massive steak pie, loaded with chunks of beef and swimming in thick, dark gravy, would suit his larger-than-life personality perfectly.
Arthur wouldn't bother with sides or fancy presentation. He'd want the biggest, most substantial pie on the menu, something that fills the plate and satisfies his appetite for excess. The flaky pastry and hearty filling mirror his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to most situations.
3. John Shelby – Meat And Potato Pie
Family men understand the value of traditional comfort, and John would gravitate towards the humble meat and potato pie. This Birmingham staple combines minced beef with chunks of potato in a satisfying pastry parcel that speaks to his roots.
Unlike his brothers' preference for steak, John would choose this more modest option, reflecting his role as the family man who appreciates simple pleasures.
The combination of meat and potato represents the perfect balance of sustenance and satisfaction, much like his position bridging the gap between family loyalty and personal happiness.
4. Finn Shelby – Sausage And Chips
Youth calls for straightforward pleasures, and Finn would naturally choose the pub classic that never disappoints. Proper pork sausages, grilled to perfection with that satisfying snap when you bite through the skin, paired with golden chips that are crispy outside and fluffy within.
This choice reflects his position as the youngest Shelby, still finding his place in the family business. The simplicity of sausage and chips mirrors his uncomplicated view of the world, before the weight of family expectations fully settles on his shoulders.
5. Polly Gray – Roast Rabbit With Bacon
Sophistication born from necessity defines Polly's choices, and roast rabbit with bacon showcases her ability to elevate humble ingredients into something special. This traditional countryside dish requires skill and patience, qualities she possesses in abundance.
The lean rabbit meat, enhanced by crispy bacon, represents her resourcefulness and connection to older ways of cooking.
Polly would appreciate the delicate flavour and the fact that this dish separates those who truly understand good food from those who merely follow trends. It's elegant without being pretentious.
6. Michael Gray – Baked Trout With Fennel
Education and refinement shape Michael's palate, leading him towards the more sophisticated option of baked trout with fennel. This delicate fish, popular in British waters, requires careful preparation to maintain its subtle flavour and flaky texture.
The aniseed notes of fennel complement the trout beautifully, creating a dish that speaks to his middle-class upbringing and desire to distance himself from the rougher edges of family life.
Michael would appreciate the clean, fresh flavours that reflect his attempts to bring a more cultured approach to the Shelby operations.
7. Ada Thorne – Elegant Canapés
Independence and social awareness drive Ada's choices, and she would naturally gravitate towards elegant canapés that reflect her political connections and refined taste. These bite-sized morsels allow for conversation whilst maintaining the sophistication she's cultivated.
Small portions of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber on delicate bread showcase her preference for quality over quantity.
Ada's selection would demonstrate her evolution from Small Heath girl to political wife, choosing food that facilitates networking rather than simply filling her stomach. Each canapé represents her careful balance of old loyalties and new aspirations.
8. Lizzie Stark – Shepherd's Pie
Practical wisdom guides Lizzie's food choices, making shepherd's pie the perfect reflection of her grounded nature. This beloved British comfort food combines seasoned minced lamb with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden.
The dish represents her journey from working-class roots to her position in the Shelby household, never forgetting where she came from.
Lizzie would appreciate the honest flavours and substantial nature of shepherd's pie, a meal that provides both comfort and satisfaction without any unnecessary pretension or complexity.
9. Alfie Solomons – Vegetable And Barley Soup
Dietary traditions and practical health considerations would lead Alfie towards a hearty vegetable and barley soup. This warming, nutritious option combines pearl barley with seasonal vegetables in a rich, satisfying broth that's both filling and flavourful.
The soup's humble ingredients belie its complex, developed taste, much like Alfie himself. He would appreciate the honest, straightforward nature of this dish, which provides sustenance without compromising his dietary requirements.
The barley adds substance whilst the vegetables contribute essential nutrients, creating a meal that's both practical and deeply satisfying for someone who values substance over style.
10. Curly – Toad In The Hole
Simple pleasures bring the greatest joy, and Curly would find perfect happiness in a generous portion of toad in the hole. This beloved British classic features plump pork sausages nestled in golden Yorkshire pudding batter, creating a meal that's both comforting and filling.
The dish's playful name would appeal to Curly's childlike wonder, whilst the substantial nature ensures he leaves the table completely satisfied. Served with onion gravy and perhaps some vegetables, this traditional fare represents the kind of honest, unpretentious food that matches his straightforward, loyal character perfectly.
