Pie with a View: Cowards, Pork Pie

On Frodsham Hill with Cowards Pork Pie

Currently walking Cheshires longest footpath, the 71 mile Cheshire North Way. Happened to be walking Dunham Hill to Frodsham section recently and managed to stop en route at Cowards Butchers & Pie Emporium to pick up some much needed supplies.

As ever, a very high standard of pie. Good balance of Pastry, Jelly, Meat and price for a tasty offering on this occasion worthy of a 9/10. Most excellent tasting Pie. There is a little aftertaste that kicks in late on with a slightly peppery twist which we like very much.

Khalsa Aid

"Recognise the whole human race as one"

Khalsa Aid, Llanberis Path

Got to walk up Snowdon with my good friend Georgio Dragonslayer last Saturday to raise monies for the cancer charity Love, Hope and Strength Foundation. The weather was pretty damp, windy and challenging. 

However it all worked out well and we made it up & down safely. Big massive thanks to all our generous sponsors whose donations were an inspiration before, during and after the event.

One of the many enduring memories of the day will be the fellows walkers we met and shared with on the day. As well as the LHS participants there were a number of other groups which made for very busy mountain! 

In particular though I would mention all the many walkers walking to raise funds for the work of Khalsa Aid There were an awful lot of them and they came from all over the UK. We got talking to some guys from Leicester who had left even earlier to get there for the day.

As a group they were very jolly, positive and supportive to all. A mixture of ages they were a credit to the human race, the Sikh Community and the UK. Their base camp supporters/organisers had set up a welcome back area for their walkers as they returned to LLanberis village. They had also prepared food and and bottles of cold water to give to all walkers not just their own. Their generosity and kind spirit will be remembered for a long time by this walker.

Base Camp, Llanberis

"Established in 1999, Khalsa Aid is an international non-profit aid and relief organization founded on the Sikh principles of selfless service and universal love."

Snowdon Rocks

Big day tomorrow. Weather is looking foul. Knee is a bit sore, but raring to go !!!!!! If you would like to donate we would appreciate any amount ..........https://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Rowlands2/

LOVE, HOPE and STRENGTH

Love Hope Strength Foundation is a charity that promotes innovative, music related, outreach and awareness programmes for leukemia and cancer sufferers, survivors and their families.

Vaughans Butchers of Penyffordd - PIEMASTER

Steve Vaughan, "PIEMASTER"

We may be Piemen or Pietasters but Steve Vaughan is a  PIEMASTER. Top pies consistently served up, (and sold out) his pies are the the baseline by which we judge all others. 

For the latest updates on what's new and available check  out his facebook page at this link Vaughans Butchers (The Steak & Stilton is brilliant). He is also a renowned Champion Sausage maker, check out his trophies !!

If your travelling along the A55 to or from North Wales, the village of Penyffordd is only two miles off junction 35. The shop is the centre of the village by the War memorial at Wood Lane, CH4 0JN. Tel:01244 543102

Vaughans of Penyffordd

Deeerstalker Pie, Pieminister Pies

Deerstalker Pie, Minty Mushy Peas and Red Wine Gravy

From the Manchester branch of Pieminister Pies we also selected the Deerstalker Pie, "A British venison, dry cured bacon, red wine & puy lentil pie".  To this was  added minty mushy peas and then covered in their red wine gravy. It was a moment before I started eating it, as it looked so beautiful!

The pastry was great, and the filling/ingredients were excellent. The added touch of the peas and gravy made this a meal in itself and a great tasting session. Can't wait to go back and try some more. We will give this an 8.9/10.

Anchored in Worthing & the Biggest Pie Ever !

Gloria's Glorious Game Pie

One of the many highlights of the Goodwood Revival festival meeting is the opportunity to visit Nigel at the best Micropub in Sussex, if not the world. With a revolving smorgasboard of beers and ciders from across the county what's not to like. With the added touches of host Nigel (and Debs) and fascinating regulars the Anchored in Worthing, is not too be missed.

On this visit Nigel excelled by asking regular Gloria to produce her Game Pie with Rabbit, Pheasant, Venison, Boar ........ A chat with Gloria later revealed  that the moisture within was maybe as a result of the meats being soaked in Brandy for 24 hours prior to cooking!!!!!! This was a big pie, with a big taste and encased in a hot water pastry, which considering the size I'm amazed.

This is certainly the  biggest pie we have come across and one of the tastiest. We brought a slice home and it was devoured very quickly. Once again big thanks to Nigel, Debs, Gloria, regulars and irregulars for a memorable trip!

Festival of Speed, Goodwood - Search for Pie

Big thanks to staff at Pieminster Pies for providing a large enough shirt to fit the average pie muncher before heading off to the wonderful festival of Speed in the search of Pie.

As ever we were dedicated in our search of pie, but to no avail apart from the ones we brought ourselves ( For emergency purposes only) and the delicious offerings provided by the Best MicroPub in Sussex, Anchored In Worthing

Although Pie was difficult to find motor vehicles of shapes and sizes were not, at this glorious dedicated petrolhead convention. Our first visit and mighty impressive it was. Busier than the revival meeting but just as well organised. 

The weather was very kind over the whole event. We were there for all four days which beforehand we had wondered if there would be enough to keep us occupied. How mistaken we were. On the last day walking to the exit we were still finding new displays and cars to see!

There were beautiful, unusual and very fast vehicles to oggle at all over the event. The track action was varied/brilliant and the offroad rally stages were just superb. Sebastien Loeb going up the up hill in his Pikes Peak car was spellbinding.

Steak Pie , Edwards of Conwy

Steak Pie, Edwards of Conwy

"I didn't know Cow could taste so nice" 

The last time we had this pie this comment was freely given within a few moutfuls of tasting this, almost, pie perfection. We are a big fan of Edwards of Conwy and any excuse to visit we take.

Recently returning from Holyhead we stopped in anticipation, eager to see the new shop layout and try some pie perfection. We chose a variety to eat and take home but the Steak Pie was the one we were looking forward to. 

This is good. A very good pie, with great colour, great quality chunks of meat and delicious tasty gravy. But it is no longer almost perfect. Something has changed  and specifically the pastry top. It's become thick and ...sticky? The pastry on top was at some points quite thick, dry and stuck to our teeth. We bought two as the Pie Tribe are not good at sharing !!! Both were the same.

Don't get me wrong it wasn't bad but Edwards of Conwy are way above your average purveyor of Pies. It's still an 8.5/10 but this has changed and it's not close to perfection any more.

Steak & Ale Pie, Valley Butchers...Best Pie Ever?

Possibly the best Pie ever?

The Pie tribe have been lucky this week to spend time on Anglesey one our favourite places and home to master purveyors of all things meat, Valley Butchers.

The weather was not kind, blowing a gale and lashing it down. So back to our accommodation and sit it out with a glorious Steak and Ale Pie to devour. 

What a delight from start to finish. The selection in the shop was poor but only because they were selling out as fast as they can make them. The pastry was excellent, no air gap, great gravy, noticeably ale punch and chunks of meat to savour. It was definitely something to savour leading one Pie tribe member to offer a score of 10/10 for it.

Whilst this is a top Pie, easily in my current top 5, I cannot bring myself to offer 10/10, otherwise I may stop dreaming of pies. So on this occasion we will give it a 9.2/10. To test for consistency we bought two and neither disappointed !!! Service was great in the shop, pies are freshly made on the premises and can't wait to go again.

Basement Light

Just over a week ago I sat alone in the dark of a basement in a house in a residential area of a small town. A low wattage light cast a very low light on the room and with a few minutes of adjustment little was to be seen apart from the embers of a small brazier. 

A dog began to bark in the distance, footsteps, some hurried, are heard and muffled conversations as individuals pass the small rectangular windows above my head at pavement level.  

The lights percolating through from the street outside flickered slightly and unevenly. A dull muffled bass sound could be heard intermittently. The pace of steps outside increased, a low rumble in a slowly gathering crescendo is perceived and the crack of gunfire can be heard as the voices outside begin to shout with some urgency.

The noise overheard gathers pace and the light in the basement imperceptibly twitches in response. At street level vehicles race by and there is a lull in the crescendo briefly but then breaks to be overtaken by a noise I’m not really familiar with. It doesn’t sound like a lorry, more like a steamroller clanging across some cobbles. As it gets closer and eventually passes the house it is obviously a tank. Its massive tracks squeal and vibrate the house causing the light to dance about creating patterns on the ceiling. 

As this thunderous noise begins to abate the rat tat tat of anti-aircraft fire takes over to add to the volume of noise. The level of noise increases as approaching planes and their payload arrive ominously closer.  The basement is loud, dark and vibrating with a deafening roar the like of which I’ve never heard. Then as I wondered what would happen next and ask myself can it get any louder or intense without the walls crashing down, it begins to recede. 

The light in the basement begins to stop swinging gently, as the noise seems to ebb away, the dog isn’t barking anymore and a baby begins to cry………..

I was sitting in the basement of a house in the town of Bastogne in Belgium. The basement was part of a recreation provided by 101^st Airborne museum to be found there. I couldn’t help think of the people in the Gaza strip and basements in other conflicts all over the world. I can’t attempt to appreciate the hell they endure but I hope the lights are still tonight in their basements.

Anchored In Worthing: Piefest South

Not Mrs Miggins, but the lovely Debs with Pie

Georgio and I last weekend enjoyed the delights of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. We stayed in Worthing about 20 miles away. On our last visit to Sussex we found the delightful Anchored in Worthing, our first micropub and run by the bewhiskered genial host Nigel. Small in size but big on hospitality.

So just before we set off some new pies were purchased from S J Bebbington Butchers, for lunch and also to introduce to Nigel/customers at the Anchored in Worthing. 

So we had the very new creation, Cheshire Cheese Spring Onion & Chives Pie which was delicious and well received (9/10). The other offering from Bebbingtons was the Pork Pie with jelly. Is there any other? The fact that it stated Jelly with it was slight different to give it a try. Now as with all Bebbingtons tasted so far the meat is of very high quality and the pastry is good. Not too thick and moist. I personally was just a tad disappointed with the jelly content as my anticipation levels were high, hoping it would be oozing with jelly but not so (8/10). However it is still a very good pie and better than the majority. 

Nigel MicroPub Master @Anchored in Worthing

We had arrived in Worthing pretty tired and a bit later than expected but the welcome was fantastic. Nigel and partner Debs had arranged for a fresh delivery of their own favourites from a local bakery/cafe "The Pantry Bakery" in Worthing. Handmade and fresh what a joy. So as well as the two types we had brought we had a huge sausage roll (9/10), a Chicken Wild Mushroom & Tarragon Pie (8.5) and finally  a Lamb Carrot and Thyme pie (8.75/10) to taste.  

Add to this Nigel's current menu of locally sourced beers and ciders.....OH HAPPY DAYS !! We fell in love with the Black Pig Orchards, Perry Cider. Big thanks to Nigel, Debs, regulars and irregulars for some great evenings. Pie, chat, impressions and laughter with no TV, jukebox, bandits or louts !!

Cheshire Cheese Spring Onion & Chive Pie and Pork Pie with Jelly

Status Quo at CPOP 2014

Rick Rifftastic - Status Quo at CPOP 2014

To complete an almost perfect day the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power organisers laid on the mighty rifftastic Status Quo to end the day supported by the RPJ Band and Toseland. Our party was slightly slow to join the crowd as we were distracted by a barbecue and the odd libation. But with the weather holding off, we wandered across to a sell out, but not packed out, arena to grab a spot.

We opted to stand rather than take a chair which many had, to take advantage of the natural slope of the arena area. We arrived just as RPJ finished and they seemed to go down well. They sounded alright during rehearsals earlier on. Toseland, led by former World Superbike Champion James Toseland, were pretty dire though. 

Quo however were as ever fantastic. Mr Rossi moaning about the cold, Mr Parfitt grinning from ear to ear and the band as a whole determined to have a good time. 

This attitude coupled with some top songs makes for a great time which the crowd were happy to join in with. Sales of blow up guitars and atrocious long wigs were going down a storm, just like the band. 

They played a fairly mixed bag of songs from throughout their career including some recent stuff as well. Obviously a high spot for certain pie eaters was hearing the Chicken Song in all it's glory, otherwise known as "Whatever You Want". Listen to the intro and you'll understand !! It did rain a little bit towards the end but made back to the Beefmeister Wagon before it rained full on.

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2014

Lamborghini Aventador - CPOP 2014

We had been looking forward to this years Cholmondeley Pageant of Power event, quite a lot and we were not to be disappointed. It was great to go as group but we did miss a couple of friends at the last minute. This year the weather was superb and the only problems encountered were sunburn, overheating and hay fever.

As ever the track action was great. Getting around the paddocks to get up close to some amazing vehicles, was as ever, brilliant. The theme was Italian this year hence the beautiful Aventedor pictured above amongst a number of other, 4 and 2 wheeled delights.

Chevrolet Camaro BRUT FORCE - CPOP 2014

We were particularly taken with the Classic Scrambling though, which had two sessions and was captivating to say the least. Although here as a demonstration event, it was still competitive and somewhat dangerous, including some broken ribs.

One Handed ! - CPOP 2014

Gods Own Pie Shop, Skipton

I sat pondering as to which route to follow to go to a wedding in Ripley, North Yorkshire when a message via flickr alerted me to, it claimed,  a mighty fine Butchers that is "God's pie shop". That decided it, over the top via Skipton, with perhaps a brief stop if time permitted .......

J Stanforth Butchers, Skipton

The pie recommended to me was a Black Pudding and Pork Pie from J Stanforth Butchers, Skipton. However what this fellow Pie muncher did not tell us was that another award winning pie emporium was located just 50 yards away around the corner called Farmhouse Fare Pies & Sausages, "Supreme Champion Great Northern Pork Pie Competition".

Farmhouse Fare Pies & Sausages, Skipton

Wow I couldn't believe my luck, two mighty fine producers of pies within a hop skip and a jump of each other. Now there may be more lurking about but we didn't have time to explore further so more reason to go back to the lovely town of Skipton. As to the Pies well read on for the full report on our four purchases.

Ripley Castle with Tom & Michelle

Ripley Castle & Gardens, Beautiful

Big congratulations to Tom and Michelle, on getting married and choosing such a wonderful place as a Ripley Castle and Gardens, which was truly fascinating. 

We had a great time witnessing your special day and hope you had a memorable time too. Particularly liked the string quartet playing Bitter Sweet Symphony by the Verve, most excellent, the sweets, the view, the service, the guests ....

Tom & Michelle, Beautiful

Pie, Precipitation and Parkinson's

Over the course of the first full weekend of June, in the company of good friend Georgio Dragonslayer we walked the Sandstone Trail to help raise funds for Parkinson's. I am pleased to say that we completed the task and have raised approaching £700.00 in the process with donations still being received. 

The walk starts in Frodsham not more than 100 yards from the front door of Sue Coward's home made pies, so a Pork pie each was purloined to fortify us en-route.

The weather was atrocious and we started in lighting, thunder and heavy downpour. We just got into a rhythm, heads down and steadily made our way through the soaked first few miles of the walk. Eventually we needed a break and sheltered under a dripping tree. We decided it was Pie time. Unable to give  a detailed report on the normally high quality pies from Sue Cowards due to the fact it was wolfed down rather quickly and I can't remember !!!

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via this JustGiving link http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Knight7

Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees: Swamp and Sweat

Cajun/Zydeco excellence from the Bayous of Staffordshire

Another intense night of pleasure and delight as Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees rip through two sets at the Old Brown Jug as part of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Jazz and Blues Festival. The evening doesn't start well with the previous band overrunning and delaying the set up for the band. They rip through a sound check quickly with the venue filling rapidly and the temperature rising. The sound is excellent and well worth the wait though.

As ever the band appear to be on tip top form and the night is lively but cramped! The venue's decision to leave a huge dining table and chairs right in front of the band was odd to say the least. With the crowd even busier than the last time we saw them here and dancing/viewing room at a premium, it was a shame.

The band went through some familiar tunes of their own, some covers and some new songs giving a nice mix, cranking the audience up to a lather. The second set saw them into their stride. The songs, sound and performance by all the band is infectious with the Fontenot effect kicking in all over the pub. Even from those who couldn't see, with jigging/singing/tapping/shaking/dancing breaking out all over.

Particularly taken tonight with Caroline and the appropriate, given the atmosphere, Hot Tamale Baby.

I cannot recommend going to see them more highly, prepare to be stung. If they don't put a smile on your face and a spring in your step,  then seek medical advice !

Elvis Fontenot & Sugar Bees. The Old Brown Jug. Newcastle Under Lyme

Dave Sharp - Troubadour

Dave Sharp, Troubadour. The Venue. Lymm.

Tonight was one of those nights when my enthusiasm for live music, if in any way depleted, is restored to a high robust healthy level. All it takes is passion, craftsmanship, generosity of spirit and an obvious enjoyment by the performer of what they are doing. No going through the motions, but good honest endeavour that can entertain and inspire in equal measure.

As with Neil Finn, Mr Sharp meandered through his solo catalogue and provided personal interpretations/reworkings of classics by Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon...... I found it mesmerising watching him play as his fingers danced over the frets with an ease than will shame others and mystify me. Watching a craftsman at work like this is such a pleasure. There were songs I did not know the name of or understood all the words to , but I got lost in the music anyway. 

His passion and chat was just right to keep the momentum going through the evening. The audience at the Venue, Lymm though not large was appreciative and Mr Sharp was generous in his effort.

I knew not too expect any Alarm tunes and was not concerned by that I was here to listen to Mr Sharp. But I am delightful when it happens, as with One Step Closer To Home which is quite removed from the Alarm recorded version. 

But a great song is great song however it is played. When it is played by the person who wrote it it always takes on some magic of it's own. I have been privileged to have enjoyed Mr Sharp gigs before and this was excellent in so many ways.

I was lucky to sit and chat with him before the gig which was stimulating and rewarding in itself. Can't wait for another opportunity even if it involves some Hard Travellin.

Neil Finn:Dizzy Heights

Neil Finn, Birmingham Symphony Hall

Big thanks to Mrs Dragonslayer for providing tickets to see Mr Neil Mullane Finn on his current Dizzy Heights tour. It's few years since we have had the pleasure of catching up with Mr Finn and we were not too be disappointed.

The gig was at the magnificent Birmingham Symphony Hall, which is a great venue. Sonically pretty good but I struggled to hear his voice a bit at times especially during the louder newer songs. 

However he was on his normal good form meandering his way through his current and past back catalogue even dipping into the Split Enz back catalogue much to our and the crowds delight. He played a good two hours including encores to cram in a good 28/29 songs. If you weren't happy tonight you never will be at a gig.

Particularly with the older songs Mr Finn pursued a policy of playing the songs in a different way by instrumentation, arrangement or tempo which mixed things up nicely and probably helps retains his interest in songs that are over 30 years old or more.

Personally I liked all of it but hearing those Split Enz songs was special especially I Got You, One Step Ahead (brilliant), Message to My Girl and History Never Repeats. He did reluctantly play Six Months In A Leaky Boat but only because he was badgered by an audience member which perhaps is not the best inspiration for a performance but he did it nonetheless. We like Neil Finn very much.

Edit this setlist | More Neil Finn setlists

British Beef Steak and Ale Pie: The Brasshouse

British Beef Steak & Ale Pie, The Brasshouse Birmingham

In Birmingham for Neil Finn gig, having made good time and feeling a tad peckish it was decided to grab a bite to eat in a nearby hostelry. We chose the Brasshouse on Broad street next to the canal and behind the symphony Hall, our ultimate destination.

The Brasshouse is a pub/restaurant in a converted foundry. Service and staff were pretty good. 

The pie was ok, a little bit disappointing and a 6/10 at best. It was not a pastry top serving which was great, the pastry was good, but the meat was a bit gristly and gravy ok. It was part of a deal,  two meals for a special price and this maybe why the portions were so miserly. My face fell as it it arrived !!

It was ok but could have been so much better. It was a bit cool but having covered it with the piping hot gravy it was better.