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 !!