Simon Rimmer returns for Man Vs Food: Round 2
Man vs Food Team with Simon Rimmer
In celebration of Great British Pie Week, Celebrity Chef Simon Rimmer returned to Robinsons Brewery Visitors Centre for an ample second serving of ‘Man vs. Food’ and to seek the answer to the question – ‘who ate all the pies?’
Determined to up the ante from the previous Man vs. Food battle in December, which saw 7 contenders emerge victorious, Robinsons’ Catering Developmental Chef Christian Whittleworth and the Sunday Brunch presenter laid down the pastry gauntlet with a helping hand from Manchester’s artisan pie makers: Great North Pie Company, who provided the pies. Neil Broomfield, a former policeman turned pie-man, set up the company in 2008.
The challenge, perfectly timed for Great British Pie Week, saw the previous 30 minute time limit slashed in half, leaving only 15 minutes to defeat a mouth-watering selection of pies, each designed to stretch the stomachs and taste buds of our 40 contestants to the absolute limit. The event itself saw almost 100 people through the doors of the visitors centre, based in Stockport. The other 50 spectators received a classic – regular sized version – of the pie and mash combo.
Already dubbed ‘Man vs. Pie’, the menu for this pie-normous challenge consisted of a Great Northern pie oozing with meat, a luxurious cheese and onion pie, a fiery chilli-Tom-carne pie made with Robinsons legendary Old Tom ale and, if that wasn’t enough, a delicious chicken pie made with Dizzy Blonde, served with a mountainous pint of mushy pies and mash potato.
After the smoke had cleared and belt buckles loosened, there was just 7 gastronomic gladiators left standing. These food champions received their feast for free PLUS a money-can’t-buy winners t-shirt together with the adulation of their defeated peers. The fastest competitor was Craig Banks who completed the challenge in a staggering 10 minutes and 20 seconds and as a reward took away his own height in delicious Robinsons’ beer.
Commenting on the event, Simon said: “This was a fantastic event. Not only was it a really fun challenge, but the pies themselves were delicious. It was a perfect homage to the humble pie; the king of a classic British cuisine.”
Simon Rimmer, winner craig banks, piemaker Neil Broomfield
The title remains firmly around the, now ballooned, waist of our victors – with 2 successful wins for ‘Man’ – it is yet to be determined whether ‘Food’ will be able to make a true underdog comeback.
To book your tickets for the next event at Robinsons Visitors Centre, please call 0161 612 4100 or email events@frederic-robinson.co.uk
· Mothers Day Sunday 30th March. 12 – 4pm. 2 Courses ~ Adults 14.00 / 3 Courses ~ Adults 17.50 Nothing says ‘love you mum’ more than treating her a delicious meal, so let Robinsons’ acclaimed chef’s pamper mum with a scrumptious meal – specially designed for Mother’s Day – at their Visitors Centre. Round off your day with the perfect family picture with TROOPER and Royale – 2 of the last working brewery horses in the UK – your picture is included with your meal!
· Simon Rimmer Spring Gourmet Evening 11th April. 7 – 11pm. £25 per head, 3 courses, cooked by Simon Rimmer; showcasing the arrival of spring produce. Optional wine matching package £10 per head, includes a glass of wine to match each course. Pre-booking essential, ticket only event.
