History of the 'Roving Pie-Man'
"The baker – kitted out in his trademark a taste of pie life from olden days blue waistcoat, white shirt, blue jacket and feathered hat – tours medieval fairs and shows, bringing an authentic taste of history to period reenactments."
His Great Grandmother owned the 'original Boarding House' which was the northen most part of the three buildings now used by the Ridley Park Hotel.
Born in Blyth Ken as a young man spent 17 years in South Africa, where he was fasinated by the Zulu & Boar War history. His interest in history continued on his return to the UK and developed to the Medieval & Tudar period,especially the food aspect.; he researched the history of Mediaval Food, re-created & modified to suit the modern palate. He adds "I just love visiting the Churces & Castles we have in this country of ours" He has written Books on the subject & is Author of the Medi-Mag publication.
Back in the UK he ran first a Hotel in the Coltswolds, before starting his 'Pie' business in Tewkesbury (Glostershire) visiting Country Fairs & Period Re-Enactments Events, the Tewsbury Medival Festival (largest in Europe), and English Heritage showcase events in particular.
Ken also travelled the country selling his tasty pies and pasties, which are based on traditional medieval recipes.
His carefully-crafted recipes include venison, wild boar with apple and Stilton, steak and red wine, hand-raised pork pie, vegetable Wellington and poulet and wild mushroom. Adding to that list is his rabbit and black pudding pie, steak and Stilton, steak and ale and a new Vik-ing-inspired pie called a Hamnovoe which is chicken and ham.
“The new one is a Viking recipe. You can imagine back then their livestock was mainly pigs and chickens. “The word pie comes from magpie pigeons because pigeons were used in them and that is how you get the word pie,” said Ken. “I used to do a pigeon pie but I haven’t in a while,” he added.
A TASTE of the medieval has arrived in Blyth.
(by permission of the Blyth News Extra 29th June 2011)
Pieman Ken Woods has taken over the Ridley Park Hotel in Blyth, selling his medieval pies along-side more traditional dishes in the Bis-t r o.
Roving Pie Company owner Ken has gone into partnership with 2 other friends for this venture. “We want to bring a bit of the medieval to Blyth.”
The Roving Pieman has also set his sights on setting up a monthly medieval banquet at the hotel in the future.
“The medieval banquet used to go really well at Seaton Delaval Hall, and I went when I was younger. It is something I would like to start,” he said.
People from across Blyth and south east Northumberland are invited to come and try a taste of the medieval at the hotel and for those from further afield to spend the night.
If you want to find out more about the Ridley Park Hotel and the medieval pies on offer call 01670 352927