Local Chef Matt Black reassured Painswick Feast attendees, that no puppies were harmed in the making of St Michaels Bistros ‘Puppy dog pie’ at this year’s Clypping ceremony and apple day celebrations.

Chef/Owner Matt Black, St Michaels Bistro, serving up ‘Puppy Dog Pie’

Matt Black, St Michaels proprietor, explains: “We have had real fun recreating our ‘Puppy dog pie’. As a dog friendly restaurant, we have assured our customers, that unlike the original pie in the 19^th century, (which was rumoured to be made when the local Innkeeper ran out of food and served up his own dog), our secret ingredients are prunes soaked in a Tregothnan tea, spices and Armagnac, which perfectly complement the slow braised shin of locally reared beef.

Painswickians built up their appetite as they joined hands following the Clypping service. An old English custom which involves dancing around St Marys Church, embracing the heart of the community in a hokey-Cokey style dance.

Magda Black, the co-owner of St Michaels restaurant, said:

What a wonderful event. We are so blessed to be part of such a thriving community and all its ‘barking’ mad traditions. The children of Painswick truly love to get involved with all the wonderful activities on offer at the Painswick Feast such as parachuting teddies from the church spire, apple pressing, arts and crafts, dog shows, and of course not forgetting the clypping service itself.

Julia Verdecchia, local dog owner, said:

I often attend St Michaels Bistro with my dog walking friends for our regular ‘dog’s dinner’ lunches. My Irish setter Caoimhe would be most upset if she found out there was any puppy related ingredients; but chef Matt has reassured me.  The Pie has simply ‘bow – wowed’ us, as it was so delicious and it gets better year on year

Beatrix Dart taking her apples to be juiced on apple day

Local children Amelie Hodgson and Beatrix Dart wearing their traditional flower Garlands in their hair.

James Dart, local resident and Chef Skills course attendee, said:

“Matt and Magda have successfully upheld another tradition with a modern twist. The Puppy dog pie was exquisite and I was also impressed with the veggie variation of the dish ‘Pussy Cat Pie’ for those too squeamish to eat ‘Puppy Dog pie’ which was filled with a mixture of locally grown organic seasonal vegetables harvested in Painswick’s very own Rococo Gardens”.

Hoping to avoid being put in the pie, puppies: Sebastian and Beatrix Dart

Matt Black continues,

“Community relations are very important to us both as a family and to our extended family, the staff here at St Michaels Bistro. We are also supporting local initiatives such as providing catering for the village cinema; Wick-Flix and we support local artists by holding an upcoming ‘Arty Party’ auction on the 18^th October in aid of raising funds for much needed repairs for the local Recreation Ground.”

Please see our Facebook page for all the upcoming events including ‘Chef Skills’ which is a monthly course promoting sourcing food locally and home cooking.

For Further information please contact

Matt or Magda Black  |  Call: +44 (0)1452 812 712  |  Email: [email protected]

St Michaels Bistro: St Michaels Bistro Nestling in Painswick village, overlooking the spectacular yews of St.Marys Church, St Michael’s offers a picture postcard retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds. Discover idyllic surroundings, delicious food, stunning rooms and suites plus a traditional Cotswold village welcome – all under1/1/2 hrs by train from London.

For further press information please contact Dawn Dart (PR/Events Manager)  |  St Michaels Bistro  |  Call: 07957 161 839