Ever since the craze for ‘Pie In The Sky’ is back, fans have been wondering where it is filmed. The filming aspect of a series is very important as it decides how glued the audience will be to their screens. In ‘Pie In The Sky’, we see the job has been done amazingly by the creators. The series aired from 1994 to 1997 very successfully, and now the newer generations are also taking a keen interest in watching the show. This has led to a cult-like following of the show who are curious to know more about what happened in the production and behind the scenes. The mastermind creator behind the show is Andrew Payne. Also, the famous series stars Richard Griffiths, Maggie Steed, and Malcolm Sinclair. Now, let us talk a little about the show.
The show is about Henry, and he is a detective inspector. He was shot in the line of duty and decided to retire. However, there is one problem. Henry does not get approved to get a full pension because of one officer, and he has to take part in the active investigation about his incident. Now, Henry wants to run the restaurant of his dreams because his first love has always been cooking. However, he also has to work till he gets a full pension. Henry is allowed to work part-time in his restaurant but does he successfully run it? We get the answers on the show. Now let us talk about where ‘Pie in the Sky’ is filmed.
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What Is ‘Pie In The Sky’ About?
Pie In The Sky is about Henry Crabbe. He is a detective inspector who is shot in the line of duty and then decides to retire and build a restaurant. Henry names the restaurant Pie in the Sky. You must be wondering, ‘why such a unique name?’ Well, because cooking, particularly English-style food with a modern twist, is his life’s love. However, his employer, Assistant Chief Constable Freddy, stands in the way of his desire. He refuses to provide him with a full retirement pension due to an event in which Henry was shot. This raised questions about Henry’s police conduct. In truth, Freddy is well aware that Henry is innocent of any wrongdoing. However, he exploits this as a justification for keeping Henry on the force. We see that Henry does all the thinking, and Freddy gets all the credit.
While the shooting incident is investigated, Freddy does allow Henry to work part-time. If Henry is cleared in the future, he will be eligible for a full pension, but in the meantime, he will be able to operate his dream restaurant. The restaurant is owned by Henry’s accountant wife, Margaret, only on paper for certain reasons, though. She wastes good food because of Henry’s position in the police force. Margaret supports Henry’s idea. However, she would prefer the restaurant to be run entirely on the basis of cost-effectiveness, regardless of culinary quality.
Where Is ‘Pie In The Sky’ Filmed?
There is a fictional county in Westershire in the series. It is located on Berkshire in Southern England. The outside of the restaurant of Henry’s dream, Pie in the Sky, was filmed at number 64 High Street in the Old Town in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Although, many sequences were filmed in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Along with all these locations, a florist, then a toy store, and the building became a minor tourist attraction during the run of the show. It also has been home to a dolls’ house builder. Also, to capitalize on the show’s popularity, a nearby restaurant at 80 High Street named itself Pie in the Sky. All the inside filming of the eatery was done at Bray Studios in Water Oakley, Berkshire, near Windsor.
Moreover, The Maidenhead Advertiser, the local newspaper, appears on occasion in the series. At Stoke Park Golf Club in Stoke Poges, we see Freddie playing golf. Talking about Episode 2, we see the outside and interior of the Nebditch Intercontinental Hotel. It was filmed at the John Nike Hotel in Binfield, Berkshire. Also, Duncan, who is a railway enthusiast, lives at Brocket Hall near Lemsford, Hertfordshire. We see the man in Episode 3 of the First Season.
More Locations In Berkshire
Along with these locations, we see Julian dining on the patio of the Compleat Angler in Bisham, East Berkshire. The location oversees a view of Marlow Church on the other side of the Thames in the opening shot. It is beautifully filmed and amazing to witness. The audience feels like they are a part of the show because of its amazing cinematography. Anyway, after that, we see Crabbe trying to pursue Henry to Horsley railway station in Surrey. This is where Middleton Station was filmed.
Also, the opening scene of Episode 4 in the First Season was filmed at Shirburn Castle. For your information, Bracknell College is Barstock University. The 3M building can be seen out the window as Cambridge meets with an officer from a previous inquiry in Bracknell. We also see the ‘Thin Blue Line’ conference taking place in Oakley Court. It is located next to Bray Studios. Henry goes to a reportedly deceased culprit at Windsor Racecourse and is seen racing across Marlow Bridge. Now, if you are a fan, you have an idea where this beautiful series’ filming took place and what the reason behind the amazing cinematography is.
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