[SpaceBoy]

Not being funny or trying to have a dig at real chef's but when you go to the big chain pub/eateries most of the food is reheated and or pre-made and then just bought in, and whacked in the oven or microwave. Very little prep work is involved which keeps costs down for the pub but will return a good profit. So most pies are pre-made in industrial volumes as with most things! Some places I have been to and ordered "Home-cooked" have been in essence posh and expensive Greggs!

But I would say the pies with lids on the bowl gives you more filling which tends to be more expensive than the pastry, so in theory you get more value for money, whereas the traditional pies should be totally encased in pastry, it depends on how much filling to crust ratio you like though I suppose!