There are several more local bakeries that sell pies. Some have more than once branch so technically could be named a chain. However they are local to the area so not in the same scale as 'Greggs'.
You should try them. I'm not a big fan of the chains that are taking over our country.
I agree with you about the chains, but Greggs does have a special place in my heart. They are always warm and friendly with reasonable prices. I like a steak slice as a treat now and then, but I leave the chicken katsu abomination well alone.
I like Greggs too, it was more of a blanket statement really about the state of 'clone towns'. I haven't tried the chicken katsu LOL, but thanks for the warning.
This review of them is very funny.