Mackem pie shop opens up in Spain
A Mackem man and his wife say they are living their dream life after setting up a pie shop in Spain.
The couple who moved to Spain 16 years ago have set up a shop selling pork pies, sausage rolls and cherry Bakewell tarts to tourists as well as to the locals in Benalmádena.
Graham Clark, 59 and his wife Linda Clark, 60, upped sticks to move to warmer climes after closing their garage business.
They had a similar garage business in Spain but it was closed after Graham found a new hobby and a local baker taught him to make pastries - then, Porky Pies was officially launched.
Graham said: “We started supplying pubs with pies on a Saturday because I love cooking and I have always have done.”
Originally from Darlington, the couple are Sunderland AFC fanatics and have taken their love for all things Black Cats to their new life in the sun.
The couple’s shop, Porky Pies, is adorned with the SAFC crest and Graham is well known in the area for his love for the team.
For a while Graham ran Clarkey’s Sports Bar in the town, where he showed all the Sunderland games, becoming popular with Sunderland tourists.
However, after Graham’s brother Anthony died in August of 2017 business ventures were put on hold.
But in November, Porky Pies got its new home of Benalmádena, which is open from 10am to 5pm, and selling a range of products, including pork pies, steak pies, sausage rolls, steak bakes, custard tarts, cherry Bakewells.
Graham added: “Everyone knows us as Porky Pies from our previous places and it’s took off.
“It’s all made fresh by ourselves.
“We’re so proud of what we make.
“It’s been a long drag getting here and it’s cost a lot of money but it’s all been worth it for this.
“Everyone knows me as a Mackem and I’ve continued the Sunderland theme.”
The couple hope to carry on making pies for the next five or six years before retiring in Spain.
The couple’s journey has featured on Channel 5’s Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun which will air at 8pm on Thursday, February 20, on Channel 5.