Wigan’s Pie-Off: Muffin Man vs. Galloways: Who’s Your Favourite?
When it comes to pies, we all know Wigan’s spoilt for choice.
But if you ask around, two names come up time and again – Muffin Man and Galloways.
Both have been serving up warm, delicious treats for decades, and both have loyal fans who swear by their pies, pasties, and muffins.
I did put the pair to the vote online, but before that’s revealed, stick with me as I take a friendly look behind the counters to see what makes each bakery tick.
First up – Muffin Man – A Family Favourite Since 1977
Muffin Man has been part of the Wigan community since 1977 when T Kennedy and Sons Limited opened its doors. With a sharp eye for quality and a real passion for great customer service, Muffin Man quickly became a go-to spot for locals craving freshly baked delights. Today, the business is run by Sue Kennedy, T Kennedy’s daughter, alongside her husband Neale, and their daughter Gemma, so it’s very much a family affair.
Their product range has blossomed over the years to include everything from crusty breads, sour dough bread, soft rolls, and their famous muffins, to party pork pies, chunky steak pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and full English breakfasts.
They also serve fresh handmade sandwiches, box salads, and scrumptious cakes and desserts, all made with the same dedication to quality that’s been their hallmark since day one..
Galloways – Serving Up Tradition Since 1971
Galloways story starts a little earlier, back in 1971, when Ronald and Patricia Galloway opened their first shop at 215 Ormskirk Road, Wigan. Back then, it was called ‘The Pie Shop’ and quickly earned a reputation for crafting the finest hot pies and pasties in town.
By the late 70s, they’d grown to four shops and rebranded as ‘Galloways Family Bakers’. Through the ‘80s, they kept expanding, opening new locations in Aspull, Wallgate, and Standish. Big changes came in 1989 when they became a Limited Company and moved their bakery to larger premises in Pemberton to keep up with demand.
A clever innovation came in 1997 with ‘The Bakery Station’ concept, shops designed to serve customers quickly and efficiently, perfect for those busy mornings or lunch breaks.
Now with 25 shops across Wigan, St Helens, Preston, and beyond, Galloways continues to bake hot pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and serve fresh breakfasts and rolls all day long.
One of their icons is the legendary “pie on a barm”, a Wigan classic that Galloways serves and showcases in their shops.
If you haven’t tried one yet, can you even call yourself a Wiganer?
📊 Quick Comparison
| Muffin Man | Galloways | |
|---|---|---|
Year Founded | 1977 | 1971 |
| Number of Shops | 4 | 25 |
| Famous For | Muffins, pies, full English breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, cakes | Traditional Wigan pies, pasties, cakes, pie on a barm |
| Locations | Wigan, Shevington, Beech Hill, Billinge | Wigan, St Helens, Preston, Eccleston & more |
| What Makes Them Special | Family-run, broad fresh bakery range with passion for quality | Family legacy, quick service concept, iconic local recipes |
Who Wins?
Truth is, it’s a win-win for Wigan food lovers. Whether you’re after a freshly baked muffin or a steaming hot pie nestled in a soft barm, Muffin Man and Galloways both deliver in spades. Their stories, their passion, and their products all add to Wigan’s rich baking heritage.
But there can only be one winner in our friendly head-to-head, so I asked you, the people of Wigan, to cast your votes. Let’s say it was close, but there can only be one winner… watch below to find out.
Let’s not forget, there’s plenty more to explore — local favourites like Baldy’s, Whittles, Harwoods, and many others keep our pie scene vibrant and delicious.
So no matter where you turn, Wigan’s bakers have got your cravings covered.
For more about Muffin Man click here.
More about Galloways, click here.
Any pies you think we’ve missed? Or have you got a story to tell?
Get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can also follow me on social media by clicking on the links below.
