Gregg’s trip to York caps it all
GREGG WALLACE’S BIG WEEKENDS AWAY Channel 5, 9pm NORTHERNERS, now is the chance to roll your eyes and say “I told you so”, as Londoner Gregg Wallace discovers the wonders of Yorkshire.
He’s in York, dubbed the capital of the North, for a weekend packed with history and food, all the ingredients for a cultural and hearty three-day break – if we’re ever allowed one.
Gregg, a man with boundless enthusiasm, is staying in a hotel with a 1000-year history and a fourposter bed, and he’s delighted. “You can feel the history coming out of the walls,” he says.
Diving into the nearest bakery, he samples some parkin. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re probably from the South. He says: “It’s gooey goodness. “I’ve got a great sweet tooth and I’m going to get through as many of these as I can.”
In more Yorkshire food news, he tries a Fat Rascal – which he declares is a bit like a scone – a curd tart, a Yorkshire pudding wrap and there’s time for a pie and a pint.
He also meets Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, who whips up a meal with local produce, declaring it the “best in the world”.
There’s time for some culture, of course, with a visit to York’s massive Gothic cathedral, the Minster, as he joins stonemasons on a heady tour up to the top, then strolls the city’s walls.
But it comes back to food in the end as Gregg discovers the city’s chocolate-making roots – and even makes his own personalised choccie bar.
Turns out it’s not so grim up North after all...