Jack Charlton: RTÉ series explores former Ireland manager’s love for Mayo

A new year and a new TV series, with special interest for Mayo people.

Neven Maguire starts the new year with a new seven-part series: Neven’s English Food Tour, on RTÉ One, which concentrates on the North East of England, including Newcastle, Northumberland and County Durham.

‘Filming in the North East of England was a memorable experience", says Neven.

"We got such a warm welcome everywhere, and the food, the people, and the places we visited were exceptional. I was delighted to discover the artisan local food culture, and try food I’ve never tasted before.

I hope our viewers will be interested to see a beautiful part of England which deserves more recognition here, especially as it is only a short plane journey from Dublin. This is the first food and travel programme based entirely in the UK made for Irish television, but I am sure it won't be the last".

Programme One: Newcastle

Neven’s first stop is Newcastle Castle in the city centre. He climbs the 137 steps of the main tower which is 847 years old, and offers an unmatched view across the River Tyne and its famous seven bridges. Newcastle’s most recognisable bridge is the Tyne Bridge, one of the first bridges in the world to be designed by a woman, Dorothy Buchanan who also designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Neven then meets one of his food heroes, Terry Laybourne, the first chef in Newcastle to be awarded a Michelin Star. Terry operates several restaurants throughout Newcastle and was recently awarded the Freedom of the city.

Neven calls in at Terry’s pub The Broad Chare and enjoys bar snacks including Crispy Pigs’ Ears, Scotch Eggs made with haggis, and a main course of Calf’s Liver, Kale, Streaky Bacon and Veal Jus, all paired with the local ‘Writer’s Block’ Ale which is specially brewed for the pub.

Perhaps the most famous person from the North East of England with links to Ireland was legendary footballer, Republic of Ireland manager and Honorary Irish Citizen, Jack Charlton.

Neven meets his biographer Colin Young who got to know Jack very well, and recounts his unique managerial style which resulted in Ireland’s momentous qualification for Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup.

They also chat about Jack’s other passion - fishing on the River Moy in Ballina, county Mayo.

Neven ends this week’s episode with a visit to the Big River Bakery and meets its founder Andy Haddon. The Big River Bakery is a social enterprise established to support the local community by providing jobs for local people, offering baking workshops, training, and serving healthy, affordable food.

The bakery is most famous for its traditional, handmade ‘Stottie’ bread. Neven learns how to make a Stottie, a dense bread which is typically served with ham and a split-pea Pease Pudding (also known as Geordie Houmous).

The episode will be aired on Wednesday, January on RTÉ One at 8.30pm.

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