I’m a big pie man. So when North East culinary top boy Si King opened up his first ‘grab-and-go’ scran spot in Sunderland – I knew I’d have to head down and fill my boots.
Last week, the Hairy Biker launched PROPA! at the city’s Sheepfolds Stables, a venture which champions local produce and excels at the British classics. As it’s a stone’s throw away from the Stadium of Light as well, the restaurant is perfect for football fans who want to get stuck into a pie and a pint before or after the match.
So on Saturday, as Sunderland took on Norwich City at home, I decided to have a wander down to the Sheepfolds and see what was on offer. The night before was The Chronicle Christmas party, so feeling slightly worse-for-wear, the first thing I did was get a cold pint of Vaux Pit Pony for a mender (didn’t work). I then met up with Craig, our photographer who was raring to go and well-up for some arty pie snaps.
(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
As expected, SAFC fans had almost cleared PROPA! out by the time I got there – but they still had a few chicken, leek and ham pies left. They also had a flat rib broth on offer. I went for the pie, and when it came out, it looked perfect – sort of like one of Mrs Tweedy’s from Chicken Run – you know what I mean.
The pie was on top of creamy mash and covered in gravy – I like my pies drowning in the stuff, so wasn’t disappointed – see here for previous meat experiences. The pie was honestly delicious, it was filled with chunky pieces of roast chicken, ham and leeks – it had a decent weight to it as well, which can’t be a bad thing can it?
As I was wolfing it down like a man possessed, Si King himself wandered by. I collared him and we had a chat – he’s a nice fella and as you’d expect, he really cares about the food he’s producing. He’s hands on with the whole operation as well, and even took me into the kitchen to see how the pies are made.
(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
All pies are made in-house on an old-school machine with a big lever (that’s the only way I can describe it, sorry). Si told me that he sources all of his produce locally, and it’s clear the ingredients being used are of the highest quality. The pie costs £12 – and if you take into account the top-notch ingredients – the effort it takes to make them – and the fact they’re sourced locally from many independent North East producers – I think it’s well worth it.
It can only be a good thing to have somewhere like PROPA! – which celebrates the North East – we need a bit of that. Stotties are on offer as well, unreal. You should get yourself down and try the place.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/si-king-propa-pie-sunderland-30641657
