The festive season is upon us and that means it’s time for winter food planning.

Christmas dinner may seem like the priority, but don’t forget about that New Year’s Day steak pie.

It’s a Scottish tradition honoured by thousands of families every year so we asked Evening News readers for their recommendations for the best steak pies available to take home in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

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You've had your say - where does the best steak pie in Edinburgh come from?

We were looking for the juiciest, meatiest pies on the market. Here are the top five picks...

MARK McGILL butchers

This Currie-based butcher was a popular choice.

Sean Donaldson said: “Packed full of succulent meat, decent size and delicious.”

Visit: Mark McGill Butchers, 124 Lanark Road West, Currie, 0131 449 6795.

JOHN BAIN & SON

Another popular choice with readers, Bain’s at Stenhouse Cross is a great option for your New Year’s Day meal.

Lesley Mason said: “Bain’s at Stenhouse is the best by a country mile.”

And John Greig added: “John Bain & Son at Stenhouse Cross are truly mouth-watering, the meat must be slow cooked for hours as it’s so tender, the gravy is seasoned to perfection. They know how to make a pie.”

Visit: John Bain & Son, 2 Stenhouse Cross, Edinburgh, 0131 443 3177

Thistle Cafe

There can be no doubt – Evening News readers simply love Tollcross’s Thistle Cafe.

The eatery is one of the few steak pie producers recommended by locals where you can dine in and take away.

What’s more, Thistle Cafe can cater for all your dietary requirements.

Hazel Donnelly said: “They do a delicious gluten-free steak pie.

“Big family thumbs up.”

Visit: Thistle Cafe, 18 Home Street, Edinburgh, 07938 448 932.

Peter White-Cross Butcher

For all our East Lothian readers, Peter Whitecross’s Dunbar shop is the place to go ahead of Hogmanay.

There has been a family butchers shop of some sort at the High Street address for more than 100 years.

Ann Wilkinson simply said: “Peter Whitecross in Dunbar – Mmmmmmm.”

North Berwick’s Anderson’s Quality Butchers came in a close second in East Lothian.

Visit: Peter Whitecross Butcher, 96 High Street, Dunbar, 01368 865 656.

James Anderson Butchers

There is no shortage of great local food shops in Leith but James Anderson is amongst the cream of the crop.

James Sutherland said: “I’ve had McGills pies many times, and they are fabulous. But this year it will be Anderson’s on Great Junction Street because they are local and they have won awards recently.”