Blyth baker in hunt to discover our favourite pie

May 11 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

Many of our modern-day favourites have their routes in the past. “The Cornish Pasty began life in the mines,” Ken explained. “Originally half would be savoury, and the other half sweet.

“The pastry was just to hold it all together and would be discarded by the miners.

“Even modern dishes have a history. Pizza, our modern takeaway food, dates back to Roman times – in pretty much the same form as today.”

Ken will hold pea-and-pie suppers in as many towns as possible to select regional winners, who will then go forward into a national contest to be crowned Britain’s best pie.

Money raised from entry into the feasts, which will take place across the North East and at towns around the country where Ken travels to sell his pies, will be divided between two charitable causes. National charity Children in Need will benefit, as well as the regional fund to save Seaton Delaval Hall.

Ken said: “I wanted to have both a local and a national cause behind the campaign. I used to go along to medieval banquets at the hall when I was very small. Being born in Blyth, Seaton Delaval Hall has always been a big part of my life – and the thought of it being turned into apartments is horrific.”

To enter your pie in Ken’s contest, or for more information, call Ken on 07905687049, email him on kentherovingpieman@yahoo.co.uk  or visit his website, www.therovingpieman.co.uk