Gerrards

 En route to sunny Pembrokeshire we stopped briefly in Bala and came across a branch of Gerrards in the high street which was formerly an Ecclestons. Gerrards claim to be the oldest family bakers in North Wales having started in 1838.

Fortunately their current Pie & Pastries are a lot fresher than that. A very tasty Steak Pie (8.5) was scoffed by your truly when it had eventually cooled down from the nuclear reactor core level of heat it was emanating.

It was that good, that a week later we stopped on the way home as well. Apart from a slight mis-understanding over change we would heartily recommend a visit to your nearest branch.

Unknown Pleasures: Peter Hook

As part of the Chester literature festival we headed to the Laugh Inn to listen to Peter Hook (Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Monaco ........) talking about his new book Unknown Pleasures which concentrates on the period of his career with Joy Division specifically.

The evening is fairly informal and relaxed in approach taking the form of an interview on stage with a couple of large rescued prints (from the Anton Corbijn produced Atmosphere video) as a backdrop.

The prints which overlook the stage are both of Ian Curtis and it is a frank Peter Hook who, in hindsight, blames himself and fellow band mates for the untimely demise of the singer. As an interview it meanders all over the place and this is no bad thing as one question sets off a flow of chatter that is open, interesting and it would seem refreshingly honest.

He is quite self-deprecating about his career, no subject seems taboo and the failure of the Hacienda Club is repeatedly cited as an example of their individual/collective ignorance of organisation and abysmal business acumen. The evening finishes with a question and answer session from an appreciative audience.

Valley Pie

During the summer break we were lucky to be able to head over to one of favourite places the Isle of Anglesey and Holyhead. Big thanks to our perfect hosts’ ange and the biscuitman who also provided pie on arrival !!

The pie was Pork Pie (9/10) from the local Valley Butchers and it tasted excellent which, in our experience, is quite rare for big versions of standard pies.Tasty, moist and pastry just right.

Pembroke

August saw the the Pie Tribe head to Pembrokeshire for a weeks break staying in a small cottage in a village close to the cliffs and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Our first stay in Pembrokeshire and what a beautiful place it is. 

We had a great time walking, seeing, listening, tasting, crabbing and laughing all round. The weather was, as Crowded House would say, "Four Seasons In One Day".

We found some splendid ice cream, cheeses, beer and PIE. Being in this part of Wales we did expect to consume more Oggies but no. However we did stop one day at the Farmers Market in the Town Hall at Fishguard and came across the selection below from A & E Meats. We instantly repaired to the harbour wall to consume our purchases. The Lamb & Mint Pie was excellent (8.5), the Steak & Gravy Pie was good (8.0) and the Pork Pie less well received (6.0).

Hot Club of Cowtown

A welcome start to the week end was a first time visit to The Blue Lounge at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The first concert of the annual International Guitar festival was here with Austin, Texas based trio, Hot Club of Cowtown kicking off proceedings.

Kick it they did with a foot stomping trawl through their current and back catalogue with their own originals and their interpretations of various standards getting an airing. Add to this selection, dollops of swing, jazz, blues, gypsy, folk, country and western, with three musicians clearly very talented and most importantly enjoying themselves. 

Their committed, energetic and eclectic approach produces a captivating performance which is absorbing and a disappointment when it finishes as you just want more which is the essence of good gigging, leave them wanting more!

Liked the venue, loved the band and would recommend, Ye Ha !!

Pie Society: Bring on the Pies!

As well as sampling some tremendous pies at our recent pie tasting session with Holland's Pies, it also introduced us to Author/Cookery Detective/Chef, Mr Tom Bridges. Approachable, fascinating and informative his passion for pies is there for all to see in person and in his book, Pie Society which we strongly recommend to all pie munchers who have an ambition to making their own or want learn more about pies generally. With some great photgraphy it had us drooling just looking through.

It is currently available through amazon  and would make an excellent present for any pie muncher you know.

 

Go Dutch, Eat a Holland's Pie!





We were very happy recently to accept an invitation by Holland's Pies  & Puddings to a pie tasting event in Manchester. What a wonderful evening with a nice venue, the Rain Bar and great hosts. Different beers were available to taste to accompany your particular Pie. Also an informed guide to Pies was provided by chef and author Tom Bridges. Finally the stars of the show were Holland's various pies.

Arriving early for the event (that's a first!) the first pie up was the Chicken and Ham Hock. I must admit personally I'm not a big fan of Chicken in any pie but this was excellent, very tasty indeed. Next up was the Beef and Vegetable Pasty which was piping hot and of course I couldn't wait...ouuuucccchhhhh. It was very moreish and definitely worth a repeat serving!!

The third offering was the Peppered Steak pie which was simply fantastic. This one didn't last long at all on the plate! Finally came the Cheese & Onion pie which was very good although we would ask for a bit more onion in it. If it's going to be there you need to be able to taste it.  

We were asked at end of the evening which was our favourite taste, which means that perhaps we didn't like one, but that was not the case as they were all enjoyable and I would have them again willingly. But the Peppered steak won out by a clear margin amongst the gathered throng. Quite apart from the taste overall we like the size of the pies and the pastry. Often you can buy a pie and it's a good handful but too often its a thick dry crust with a lot of air...not these babies oh no.

Many thanks to Holland's Pies for an informative and enjoyable evening. It was great to hear about the Hot water pastry and other background from Tom Bridges. Subsequent testing with some samples at home would also suggest oven heat rather than Microwave if you've got the time and patience!

 

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

One of the musical highlights of the year has to be the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Walking into a gig with the band members is a little different and so the tone of the whole event is set. Serious and gifted musicians all these performers approach it with fun and enthusiasm in abundance.

Their take on rock, punk, pop classics is captivating and invigorating. Their version of Lady Gagas "Born This Way" was just absolutely brilliant. Coupled with their versions of Born To Be Wild , Anarchy in The UK (with all the wrinklies joining in the chorus !!!), Smells Like a teenager, Good The Bad and The Ugly...... it made for a fanatstic evening. We look forward to the opportunity of seeing them again in the future.

Southbank Sunday

Whilst down London way we made our way to Soutbank on the sunday, its always an interesting area with plenty of things to see and do. This visit was no exception particularly with the Olympics on.

One highlight for the Pie Tribe was the Real Food Market  which was delicious to wander round and taste different things. Some pies were on sale and the Pie Student opted for the Pie looking option Pierogi pictured below. Whilst it looks like a smallish pasty it is in fact a type of dumpling made with unleavened dough boiled and then deep fried. Tasty and obviously very healthy.

We love the views from around the Southbank with the river and iconic buildings even if it did lash down with rain. Also a very nice man from Virgin was giving out Strawberry Split ice creams on the train for free which was an excellent end to the day. Once again many thanks to Kathy L and Von Smallhousen.

Piefect Day with Team GB

The Olympics in London were fantastic in so many different ways. Our own personal memories will be of the largest attended single event in Olympic history the mens Olympic Cycling Road Race. Although team GB did not win a medal the event was brilliant and we had the best of experiences watching.

It meant a long trip but it was well worth the effort. We stayed in lovely Carshalton with Kathy L and Von Smallhousen to whom we are very grateful. We made our way early via train to Leatherhead and then by foot to the circuit part of the route at Box Hill. The weather was very kind to us all day which helped enormously. Despite getting there early it was packed. We found a down hill spot just before a tight bend and settled in to wait for the action to start. 

I will never forget the organisation, the atmosphere, the singing, cheering, banter, laughter, stewards (Ambassadors) and the action itself. It was absolutely brilliant and although we were very tired by the time we got back it was worth the effort.

As it was Saturday we headed off for chippy tea down Carshalton high street to be greeted by the Pukka-Pies sign below, excellent. Not so excellent as they have run out of Pies not one to be had. Carshalton is a Pie desert. The Butchers serves a terrible Pie and the chippie has run out, come on Carshalton get some pies in. 

I think it may be to do with the local cat population secretly eating all the  pies in the area. On average they are the largest group of feline beasts I have ever seen including one three legged ginger the size of a fox!

Five Layer Choc Cake

We have have often encountered some nice pies at Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre but on this occasion we would like to recommend this periodic offering the Five Layer chocolate cake. Their cakes seem to be home produced and rotated so it's it not always on but so so nice mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Gallery of Costume

Not my choice, but with time to kill, the Pie Princess has an interest so a visit to the Gallery of Costume in South Manchester was arranged. 

 

Interesting enough and free to view I wouldn't set aside more an hour or so to go round. The Button Museum was fascinating!!!! Please note there was no Pie available at this centre and we hadn't seen a Greggs for at least five minutes.

Then it was to see the Pie student, watch Brave at Salford Quays and enjoy chippy tee night in sunny Salford.

Buddha's Belly

The pie tribe en masse travelled to London by train during July to visit family and new friends. We had a brilliant time in rainy London and sunny Bromley. Arriving early Saturday morning we initially made our way to Camden for breakfast at the Lost Elephant. Once refuelled and after the rain had battered down, it was off round the market which was as ever busy and interesting.

Student Pie succumbed to the most enormous cup cake we've ever seen and they were handing free beer out on the high street which is a good enough reason to like a place. 

From Camden we head to Kensington High Street to get some emergency clothing replacements!!!! From here we head to the Portobello Road market which is heaving ( Nasty Nick in an enormous trench coat passes by us ) and absolutely tiring. A break is needed and we stop in a Notting Hill Bistro/cafe for the most expensive (but delicious) cheese on toast. The rain again comes down heavy whilst we are munching.

We then head across town to meet up with family in Greenwich by the Cutty Sark. We have a couple of refreshments in a local hostelry and repair to Bromley. After settling into our accommodation it's off to Buddha Belly for a brilliant evening with family and new friends. The food is great, the chat is great and the laughter non stop.

Sunday dawns bright, beautiful and a bit windy. After a walk around town it's off to Pie Brothers home for a poolside barbecue and get together with family/friends old and new. The company is great , the food is brilliant and we don't want the day to end. But eventually we have to head home and with great thanks to Pie niece we set off. It's hard to believe but even without Pie we've had a great time.

British Mud Prix

It was touch and go as to whether the event would go ahead but the organisers decision to close the car parks and restrict attendance on the Saturday probably made the Grand Prix go relatively well. We actually ended up parking fairly close to where we did previously and were only delayed for the last 1/2 mile or so. The staff were pretty helpful not just towing people off but towing them on!! They also stayed well after the end to help as well.

Yes it was very muddy and some people were ill equipped but it was ok. The toilets were pretty good,better than Monza (wouldn't be difficult) and more plentiful than Spa. The racing itself was good and the entertainment not bad. The weather was a pain and typically it stopped for the race. Bernie's idea of sprinklers is not that mad. 

Pie was available on site, but for guaranteed quality reasons, supplies were bought in advance before we set off. The Pie of choice was the dependable and excellent Steak Pie from Phil Salts mmmm very very tasty. Also once you've got a reasonable spot your there for the day. An added treat was meeting up with some Vikings for beer in the rain!

CPOP 2012

Mr Pieman and Georgio Dragonslayer went to Cholmondley Pageant of Power. It was a pretty awful day weather wise but apart from a few cars not running or taking it easy it was excellent. With an array of stalls, food, cars, bikes there was plenty to entertain and enjoy.

Pie was found as well as the Crusty Pie Company was here again with a selection of delectable goodies. We chose the Gloucester Old Spot Pork Pie with crumbly cheese topping and The Pork and Creamy Stilton Pie. They were ok but a little disappointing, both being quite dry and the Stilton being hardly noticeable. Still it always better than no pie.

It was the second year running we've been and it was a very good day out despite the weather. One of the highlights was the Aston Martin One-77 which was simply beautiful. Another highlight was standing right next to the engine when the mechanic fired up the ex F1 Lamborghini Lotus with it's deafening V12 engine !! Also bumped into the Biscuitman and in laws by the scrambling  bikes display which was great to watch.

Jubilee Pie

The Pie Tribe went to Deva town over the Jubilee weekend for street festivities , Giants Parade and Pie. With lots of various food on offer nothing can beat a Pie. On this occasion the Pasty Place Bakery was chosen and the Pieman sampled their Giant Cornish Steak Pasty (and yes they claim to be from Cornwall). 

It was large and incredibly hot requiring an asbestos lined tongue or the patience of Job to let it cool time before taking a munch. A pie muncher with patience? I'm afraid not, so one burnt mouth later we can report they are big, filling, tasty, and extremely hot !!! We can only give a 7.5/10 for this pie. As it was many things but lacking a little bit in one aspect which was Steak which seems fairly crucial for a Steak Cornish Pasty !! 

Edwards Pie

Does a view get any better than this? Looking from the Great Orme on a beautiful day at a beautiful pie the Huntsman Pie from Edwards of Conwy. This is a Pork Pie with a stuffing topping and was most excellent with the Pie student giving this sample a resounding 8.5/10. 

The Pieman chose a Pork and Stilton Pork Pie on this occasion and was not disappointed as it was delicious and worthy of 9/10. Tasty, moist but not falling apart as you ate it. 

Going in the shop is a treat in itself as their display is  mouth watering with a multitude of choice which keeps calling you back. It was a bit of a scrum as the pies are made fresh and people were ordering large quantities even by the piemans standards!!!

We had actually gone for a day walking, chilling and exploring which we did but an opportunity to visit Edwards is not one to miss. We enjoyed a boat ride up the Conwy estuary, a picnic past the marina, an off road driving experience in the Conwy valley (!), walking in Trefirw and a trip up the Orme all bathed in beautiful sunshine which has been rare this year.

Southern Pie

A recent visit to South London saw the Pieman  and  Lee O'Brien introduced to the delights, briefly, of Carshalton whilst delivering various items to Piester in Law. An early morning start allowed us to go out and enjoy the Carshalton parks, ponds and pies.

But oh what a disappointment with the only offering found, a sturdy looking minced beef & onion from the butchers (Woodward Brothers) on the the high street. Although packed by the Butcher he didn't know who made it! Which was just as well as it was horrible and we award it a 4/10, for being of no merit whatsoever. 

However we did have an excellent time with our hosts if not a bit short and a bit tiring. We did have a stonking breakfast and met the largest cat ever ! Can't wait to go again.

Top Train Pie

We would like to thank Pie Tribe friend John boy for the picture and review of this train pie.

From your roving pie correspondent.

Treated to this beauty on the East Coast Mainline service from Newcastle. Ordered a Pork Pie in first class, expecting a Melton type but got this served warm with salad and piccalilli!! 8/10

Very tasty but slightly dry, but considering it was travel fare, an excellent pie!

Republic Of Pie

The Pieman and the Pie Student enjoyed a trip to Liverpool recently to visit the new recently opened Liverpool Museum located down on the riverfront between the Albert Dock and the Three Graces. Free to get in with plenty to see, watch and listen to. Well worth a visit. 

We then wandered into town and found one of favourite diners Eddie Rockets was closed and lock up which was very disappointing. However we did spot a newish Moroccan restaurant which we will have to check out soon called Kasbah Cafe Bazaar which seems to combine eating with retailing.

Wellington Bureaucracy

Whilst waliking around Powis Castle we came across this which made us laugh and is probably still relevant for today. Hope you can read it okay?

CO-OP Steak Pie

The Pie Princess tasted this and was not overly impressed. A dry pastry filled 6 out of 10 and probably purchase if no other available or the pennies are tight!!

King Of Twang

What a delight for the Pieman and Mark Shed who went to Manchester the day City won the Premiership. We were there to see the King of Twang Mr Duane Eddy and he did not disappoint. He ambled on stage without much fanfare and proceeded to rip through a brilliant set of songs across the whole spectrum of his career including the recent album produced with Richard Hawley and his band, who are backing the King of Twang on his current tour.

Songs included Detour, Movin and Groovin, Yep!, The Lonely One, Shazam!, Bleaklow Air, Twango, Play Me Like you Play your Guitar, Three 30 Blues, 40 Miles of Bad Road, Platypuss, because they're Young, Roadtrip, Curveball, Rebel Rouser, Peter Gunn, Mexborough and Hard Times

At 74 I doubt he needs to tour and must do it because he enjoys it which we certainly did. His chat was interesting, informative and funny. He was supported by the very talented Nell Bryden who was excellent just on her own with a guitar and a powerful voice. She was funny although I'm not sure United fans might think so! Check out her video for her latest single

The venue was the Royal Northern College of Music and we can strongly recommend it to you with its excellent facilities. Pie was consumed by Mark Shed, but so quickly that no informative review can be provided except that it was very large and eaten on the hoof.

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture

On a wet bank holiday weekend we headed out into darkest mid wales and the National Trust property of Powis Castle close to Welshpool. The house was interesting enough but the rain was still batting down so proposed walk around the grounds and gardens was avoided. 

Instead a cunning back up plan was enacted which meant carrying on for a few miles to visit the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture. Small, compact and not time consuming but fascinating nonetheless. I wouldn't justify visiting mid wales just for it but if your in the area it was well worth a stop off being very different and had a definite appeal to some members of the Pie Tribe. 

Hard to describe but we like the description offered by Brian Eno "

‘Andrew's work doesn't offer that much to the would-be catalogue mystifier: if you start saying anything too pretentious about it, it sort of laughs in your face. It's hard to place, because it doesn't really quite belong anywhere, guilelessly straddling a number of heavily contested boundaries - such as those between art and craft, between art and decoration, between pop and fine, between the profane and sacred. But I don't think this straddling is some sort of ideological position that Andrew has contrived - it's just where he happens to find himself when he makes the work he wants to see.’

We would visit again and take in a walk around the pretty village of Berriew where although no Pie was purchased we did scoff some delightful Welsh Cakes.

Pieologist

Many thanks to fellow Pie Muncher John Boy for bringing this story to our attention.  We didn't know there was such a job as a Pieologist. Interesting to note the comment at the end of the article, "We are trained to professionally taste rather like wine tasters, so we don't always swallow". I don't know any Pie muncher who could do that!!

The article appears in the Caerphilly Observer as the Pieologist works for local food manufacturer Peters Pies.

Plot 47a

Many thanks to help received with work on Plot 47a much appreciated. Base of shed laid and shed up. Six patches cleared and dug over for raised beds. Some TLC for 20+ strawberry plants discovered. Some weed cover and chipping to go in next to make paths and put together the beds.

Need a supply of cheap topsoil now. Any ideas? Anybody got some spare pallets or decking planks they don't want?

Hello Mr Lowry

An excellent afternoon was had recently when the Pie Tribe went to Salford to see the Pie Student to deliver and share some quality Pie.

Coupled with nice weather, floral gums, a tasty curry, owls, free Car Parking (as long as you spend a fiver somewhere) and a free Lowry exhibition at the Lowry Complex on Salford quays it all made for an excellent time.

You can't beat good food, chat, pie and laughter for time well spent.

Oz Pie

To celebrate Mark Sheds birthday tickets were purchased to see the Australian Pink Floyd Show . En route to the Assembly rooms time was made to sample local beverages and Pie. Selected hostelry the Dolphin proved to be an excellent choice. As well as being the oldest pub in Derby, it had some fine beers and some excellent Pie which the birthday boy, shed junior and the Pieman indulged in. Excellent it was too 8.5/10.

The Aussie Floyd were excellent, playing to a packed audience with little chit chat they waded through a comprehensive tour of the Floyd back catalogue utilising a seven piece band and three backing vocalists.

The light show, inflatables, sound, images etc were excellent leading to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Not having been overly keen on seeing "tribute bands/acts this was an eye opener and fantastic. We liked the Assembly Rooms as well with a reasonable size, good facilities, sound ok and venue staff good.

Live "The Pie Life"

A visit to Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre produced two fine pastry delights, one from a producer we hadn't come across before. The Pie Life Steak and Stilton Pie is a corker. We can unreservedly give it a 9/10. It is made by the Goldhurst Farm Bakery in Tean, Staffordshire and was delicious.

The Oinker Pork Sausage Roll was from Coopers Gourmet Sausage rolls. Our recent taste of their Poachers Sausage roll was not very good but this was completely different and we would give this a 8.5/10 tasty with good pastry.

National Pie Week: Near Disaster

During the recent National Pie Week the Pie tribe deliberately abstained from pies all week with the intention of descending on Sue Cowards fine establishment, in Frodsham High Street, on the Saturday of Pie week to indulge. Unfortunately we were not aware of her early closing time on a Saturday afternoon aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh !!!!!!

Fortunately we did manage to locate some Pies at the Devonshire Bakery outlet just up the road. They even put them in a box and tied a ribbon around it. We sampled the Meat & Potato Pie (8.75/10), Steak Pie (9/10..."a nice bit of Cow" according to Student Pie), Sausage Roll (7/10), Cornish Roll (7/10) and a Beef Pie (5/10).

Naughty Poacher

On a trip to Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden centre we always have a look at the farm shop which sells some fascinating stuff and usually has some interesting pastries. We picked up the delightful sounding and rich sausage roll from Coopers Gourmet Sausage Rolls called The Naughty Poacher.

It combines Pork, Venison, Partidge, Pheasant, Rabbit, Spices and Red currant Jelly. Perhaps because reading the contents raised the anticipation beyond reasonable levels as this was a major disappointment. A grey, solid mass and quite tasteless. Too many meats for a distinctive taste to be had and so we award this a 6/10.

Chatwins Steak & Kidney

Since the demise of the much loved P & A Davies the new owners Chatwins have not seen much custom from the Pie Tribe. However in recent months we have been in and sampled their Steak and Kidney Pie (warm) a couple of times. It is very very nice and we would give it an 8.5/10. It would be more but it is on the pricey side.

Chatwins retail outlets and coffee shops can be found over most of Cheshire and into North staffordshire. A full list can be found using the link above.

Abominable Snowman In The Market

Simple 1 man 1 guitar & 1 man small drum Kit, light show.. on or off, venue querky and on stage for not much more than 1Hr 20 mins doesn't sound great but it was!! Jonathan Richman with just one guitar (spanish) and drummer Tommy Larkin were just brilliant.

They came onstage to no fanfare and went stright into six bars of Roadrunner before morphing into something else and then onto allsorts of songs, some introduced, some not!!

Some on stage dancing/jigging/movement, chatting with the audience and some very self deprecating humour without turning the evening into a comedy show. Songs in spanish, songs in french, songs to dance to, Songs to think about, songs to sing to, songs to cry to, holler, whoop ...whatever you need.

I don't imagine everyone would like or appreciate Mr Richman but he is different, very different and quite unlike any gig I've seen in a long time.

The audience were excellent joining in and making the evening so much more enjoyable apart one drunken oaf next to me who disappeared after a while fortunately to empty his bladder and couldn't find his way back. The club itself was interesting, the Kazimier. I hope we get the chance to hear/see him again he was excellent.

Pork & Black Pudding Pie

Many thanks to fellow Pie muncher Kev City for introducing us to the fine pies of Broadhursts Butchers of Macclesfield. on Hurdsfield Road. This particularly one the Pork & Black Pudding Pie combines two of our favourite foods. We would give this an 8.25/10. It was moist with good pastry. However our anticipation of the black pudding was too great and this led to a little anticlimax as the amount of Black Pudding is a slight let down.

Nevertheless we heartily recommend indulging in Broadhurts offerings based on this sample. Kev City also brought another pie the name of which escapes me. It was an oblong shape of Pork Pie size containing pork and chicken we think, not unlike a countryman pie. It was tasty and another reason to make a detour through Macc next time we are in the vicinity.