For those of you wondering why we haven't been answering our emails, pie-man has just returned from several happy days at the Big Chill. There was pastry galore, some mighty fine music, and a chance for our staff to get some much needed sunshine (we do let them out occasionally, you know).

After much discussion and several strenuous tasting sessions, pie-man's award for the best thing at Eastnor wrapped in pastry went to PIE, for their lamb/mint/new potato and steak/horseradish/ale edifices.

Of course we also had to try the Welsh oggies and Cornish pasties just to make sure. Several times. You shouldn't make rash decisions about these things, obviously. When you're sat in a field and distracted by the likes of Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band or Mr Scruff your judgement may be impaired, so it's important to taste your pies under different musical conditions.

After three days, pie-man staff decided that they rather liked tasting pies in the sunshine while drinking beer and listening to some top tunes. Unfortunately, they are now demanding this on a regular basis at pie-man towers. We may have to see about that.