Mousehole is the Cornish village famous for stargazy pie, traditionally topped with fish heads.
Stargazy pie is a baked pie associated with Mousehole in Cornwall. Its filling commonly includes pilchards or other small fish, eggs, and potatoes, enclosed beneath pastry. The fish are arranged so their heads and tails protrude through the crust, creating the dish’s distinctive appearance.
The pie is especially linked with Tom Bawcock’s Eve, a Mousehole celebration held on 23 December. Local legend says Bawcock saved the village from starvation by going fishing during a famine and returning with a large catch. The story is traditional folklore rather than a fully documented historical account.
The dish’s name refers to the fish appearing to look toward the stars. Stargazy pie is unusual even within British cuisine, and its visual presentation is often more memorable than its everyday availability.