Pie in the Sky
Encyclopedia
Pie in the Sky was a light-hearted British
police drama
starring Richard Griffiths
and Maggie Steed
, created by Andrew Payne and broadcast in five series on BBC1
between 13 March 1994 and 17 August 1997 as well as being syndicated on other channels in other countries, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
. The series departs slightly from other police dramas in that the protagonist
, Henry Crabbe, while still being an on-duty policeman (much against his will), is also the head chef of the title restaurant set in the fictional town of Middleton and county of Westershire.
Freddie Fisher – are reluctant to allow him to leave.
The first episode (The Best of Both Worlds) opens with Crabbe, after twenty-five years in the force, just seven weeks away from retirement when he finds himself close to catching high-profile fraudster Dudley Hooperman (played by Michael Kitchen
), whom he has been trailing for years. While making his escape (with £3–4 million worth of stolen treasury bills) Hooperman shoots Crabbe in the leg, which, although a relatively minor injury, consolidates Crabbe's desire to retire on his police pension and open his own restaurant
in the fictional town of Middleton – Pie in the Sky, technically owned by his wife Margaret, although Henry is the main chef. (Much to Henry's disgust, Margaret has no feeling whatever for food, seeing it as nothing more than fuel, and has a partiality for bars of chocolate and – horror of horrors, in Henry's eyes – prawn cocktail flavour crisps). However, during his "final" case, an investigation into police corruption, he is tricked into appearing to take a bribe. Although Crabbe himself is entirely innocent, the circumstances enable his superior, A.C.C. Fisher, effectively to blackmail Crabbe into continuing to take on occasional cases as required, threatening to re-open the inquiry if Crabbe disagrees. Thus Crabbe has, in Fisher's own words, the best of both worlds – still investigating the cases that Fisher puts his way while at the same time cooking back at Pie in the Sky.
Between his first love – cooking – and being constantly called back on duty by Fisher, Henry finds that he's not going to fulfil his dream in peace.
Prowlers, sudden deaths, retrieving rebellious daughters, missing lovers, psychics and fear of the restaurant critic are all elements Henry has to deal with as well as creating his signature steak and kidney pie – containing anchovies and said to be addictive.
In series 1–4, Crabbe is aided by WPC (later Detective Sergeant) Sophia Cambridge, played by Bella Enahoro
. In the final series she is replaced by PC Ed Guthrie (Derren Litten
) and WPC Jane Morton (Mary Woodvine
, daughter of actor John Woodvine
). In the restaurant Crabbe is helped by chefs Steve Turner (Joe Duttine; 21 episodes) and then Gary Palmer (Nick Lamont; 20 episodes) – both reformed ex-criminals – and John the waiter (Ashley Russell) and Linda the waitress (Alison McKenna). The latter was subsequently replaced by Nicola the waitress (Samantha Womack). After Nicola's departure she is in turn replaced by Sally (Marsha Thomason
). Also reappearing throughout is Leon Henderson (Nick Raggett), who supplies the restaurant with fruit and vegetables, as well as working there some evenings doing the washing up.
Robert Putt is Chief Constable Braithwaite who appeared in 3 episodes between (1996-1997). Caroline Loncq played Jenny Drabble for 3 episodes (1996-1997).
One of Henry's heroes, the (fictional) food writer Hilary Smallwood (the other being Alexis Soyer
), is modelled on Elizabeth David
.
2nd Series Winter 1995
3rd Series Winter 1996
4th Series Autumn 1996
5th Series 1997
in southern England. Although scenes in Middleton were often filmed in Marlow
in Buckinghamshire
, the exterior of the restaurant, Pie in the Sky, was filmed outside number 64 High Street in the Old Town in Hemel Hempstead
, Hertfordshire
. Originally a florist and then a toy shop, the building became a minor tourist attraction while the series ran, and from 1997 has housed the business of a dolls’-house maker. A nearby restaurant at 80 High Street renamed itself "Pie in the Sky" (later becoming "Les Amants") to capitalise on the programme's popularity. All internal filming at the restaurant was carried out at Bray Studios
at Water Oakley
, near Windsor
in Berkshire
. The local newspaper, the Maidenhead Advertiser
, occasionally appears in the series redubbed the 'Barstock and Middleton Advertiser'. Freddie Fisher plays golf at Stoke Park
Golf Club at Stoke Poges
.
Both the exterior and interior of the 'Nebditch Intercontinental Hotel' which features throughout episode 2 of the 1st series, "The Truth Will Out", was filmed at the John Nike
Hotel at Binfield
, near Bracknell
in Berkshire
. The adjoining John Nike Bracknell Ski and Snowboard Centre is also featured.
In episode 3 of the 1st series, "An Innocent Man", train enthusiast Duncan Spellar lives at Brocket Hall
at Lemsford
in Hertfordshire
. In the opening scene, Julian Tubbs MP is shown dining on the terrace at the 'Compleat Angler' at Bisham
in East Berkshire
, overlooking Marlow
Church on the other side of the River Thames. Later Crabbe follows him to 'Middleton Station' which was filmed at Horsley railway station
in Surrey
.
In episode 4 of the 1st series, "Once a Copper", the opening scene was filmed at Shirburn Castle
. Barstock University is Bracknell College
. The 'Thin Blue Line' Conference takes place at Oakley Court
, adjoining Bray Studios. Henry is shown hurrying to the Japanese Reception across Marlow Bridge
.
In episode 5 of the 1st series, "A Shot in the Dark", the deceased works at White Waltham Airfield
while his home is a cottage in Waltham St Lawrence both in East Berkshire.
In episode 1 of the 2nd series, "Hard Cheese", the 'Laxton Grange Hotel' was filmed at Oakley Court
, adjoining Bray Studios. 'Laxton' is based on the town of Bracknell.
In episode 5 of the 2nd series, "Dead Right", Henry has a picnic with the psychic down by the River Thames
in the churchyard
at Bisham
in East Berkshire.
Episode 7 of the 2nd series, "Swan in His Pride", is set in the city of Bath in Somerset
which features throughout. Crabbe and Fisher catch the train to Bath from Reading railway station
in Berkshire.
In episodes 1 & 2 of the 4th series, "Devils on Horseback," the cider brewery is filmed at Stanlake Park
near Twyford
in Berkshire.
In episode 5 of the 4th series, "Breaking Bread," Crabbe and Cambridge go to some kind of planning office to examine building plans. The offices are Easthampstead Park
, near Bracknell.
In episode 2 of the 5th series, "Ugly Customers," Crabbe goes to examine the home of the foreman of the jury. He visits a small country house which is the 'Pump Room' at Winkfield
Plain, near Windsor
, in Berkshire.
In the United States
, Acorn Media has released separate sets of all five series on May 12, 2009 (Series 1), January 26, 2010 (Series 2), September 7, 2010 (Series 3), January 25, 2011 (Series 4), and August 2, 2011 (Series 5).
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
police drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
starring Richard Griffiths
Richard Griffiths
Richard Griffiths, OBE is an English actor of stage, film and television. He has received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actor and a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor...
and Maggie Steed
Maggie Steed
Maggie Steed is an English actress and comedienne.-Youth:After studying drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, she left the theatre for several years.-Career:...
, created by Andrew Payne and broadcast in five series on BBC1
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
between 13 March 1994 and 17 August 1997 as well as being syndicated on other channels in other countries, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
. The series departs slightly from other police dramas in that the protagonist
Protagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
, Henry Crabbe, while still being an on-duty policeman (much against his will), is also the head chef of the title restaurant set in the fictional town of Middleton and county of Westershire.
Plot
Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe is a long-serving police officer in the fictional county of Westershire. Although very much his own man and an independent thinker, he is not a maverick, nor has he any particular neuroses; indeed, Crabbe is a highly intelligent, gentle and thoughtful man of high moral principle. On the other hand he does have one passion in life - food. He dreams of retiring from the police to run his own restaurant serving good English fare. However, as the most outstanding detective in his department, his superiors – in particular Assistant Chief ConstableAssistant Chief Constable
Assistant chief constable is the third highest rank in all British territorial police forces , as well as the British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and...
Freddie Fisher – are reluctant to allow him to leave.
The first episode (The Best of Both Worlds) opens with Crabbe, after twenty-five years in the force, just seven weeks away from retirement when he finds himself close to catching high-profile fraudster Dudley Hooperman (played by Michael Kitchen
Michael Kitchen
Michael Kitchen is an English actor and television producer, best known for his starring role as DCS Foyle in the British TV series Foyle's War.-Early life:...
), whom he has been trailing for years. While making his escape (with £3–4 million worth of stolen treasury bills) Hooperman shoots Crabbe in the leg, which, although a relatively minor injury, consolidates Crabbe's desire to retire on his police pension and open his own restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
in the fictional town of Middleton – Pie in the Sky, technically owned by his wife Margaret, although Henry is the main chef. (Much to Henry's disgust, Margaret has no feeling whatever for food, seeing it as nothing more than fuel, and has a partiality for bars of chocolate and – horror of horrors, in Henry's eyes – prawn cocktail flavour crisps). However, during his "final" case, an investigation into police corruption, he is tricked into appearing to take a bribe. Although Crabbe himself is entirely innocent, the circumstances enable his superior, A.C.C. Fisher, effectively to blackmail Crabbe into continuing to take on occasional cases as required, threatening to re-open the inquiry if Crabbe disagrees. Thus Crabbe has, in Fisher's own words, the best of both worlds – still investigating the cases that Fisher puts his way while at the same time cooking back at Pie in the Sky.
Between his first love – cooking – and being constantly called back on duty by Fisher, Henry finds that he's not going to fulfil his dream in peace.
Prowlers, sudden deaths, retrieving rebellious daughters, missing lovers, psychics and fear of the restaurant critic are all elements Henry has to deal with as well as creating his signature steak and kidney pie – containing anchovies and said to be addictive.
Cast
| Richard Griffiths Richard Griffiths Richard Griffiths, OBE is an English actor of stage, film and television. He has received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actor and a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor... |
DI Henry Crabbe |
| Maggie Steed Maggie Steed Maggie Steed is an English actress and comedienne.-Youth:After studying drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, she left the theatre for several years.-Career:... |
Margaret Crabbe |
| Malcolm Sinclair Malcolm Sinclair Malcolm Sinclair is a British stage and television actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as 'Assistant Chief Constable Freddy Fisher' in the television series Pie in the Sky , although he has an extensive number of film, television and theatre roles to his credit... |
ACC Freddy Fisher |
| Nick Raggett Nick Raggett Nick Raggett , is an English television and theatre actor.-Early life:He was born in Chelmsford, Essex, England. Raggett moved to London, England, in 1982... |
Leon Henderson |
| Alison McKenna | Linda (1994) |
| Joe Duttine Joe Duttine Joe Duttine , sometimes credited as Jo Duttine, is an English film, theatre and television actor.-Early life:He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England... |
Steve Turner (1994–95) |
| Ashley Russell | John (1994–95) |
| Bella Enahoro Bella Enahoro Bella Enahoro is a British actress who is famous for her co-starring role in Pie in the Sky as WPC/DS Sophia Cambridge.- Filmography :... |
WPC/DS Sophia Cambridge (1994–96) |
| Samantha Janus | Nicola (1995–96) |
| Nicholas Lamont | Gary Palmer (1996–97) |
| Marsha Thomason Marsha Thomason Marsha Lisa Thomason is an English actress, who is known in the United States for playing Nessa Holt in the first two seasons of the NBC series Las Vegas, for her recurring role on ABC's Lost as Naomi Dorrit, and for playing FBI agent Diana Berrigan on USA Network's White Collar.-Early... |
Sally (1997) |
| Derren Litten Derren Litten Derren Litten is a British comedy writer and actor. He is best known as the co-writer of the award-winning The Catherine Tate Show, for which he wrote and appeared as several different characters in the first two series and the 2005 Christmas Special... |
PC Ed Guthrie (1997) |
| Mary Woodvine Mary Woodvine Mary Woodvine is a British actress who appeared as Mary Harkinson in EastEnders in 2003. Her father, John Woodvine, is also an actor.She has also appeared in Doc Martin, Born and Bred, Casualty, Pie in the Sky, Down to Earth and Heartbeat. In 1994 she played the role of Aurelia Took in Space... |
WPC Jane Morton (1997) |
In series 1–4, Crabbe is aided by WPC (later Detective Sergeant) Sophia Cambridge, played by Bella Enahoro
Bella Enahoro
Bella Enahoro is a British actress who is famous for her co-starring role in Pie in the Sky as WPC/DS Sophia Cambridge.- Filmography :...
. In the final series she is replaced by PC Ed Guthrie (Derren Litten
Derren Litten
Derren Litten is a British comedy writer and actor. He is best known as the co-writer of the award-winning The Catherine Tate Show, for which he wrote and appeared as several different characters in the first two series and the 2005 Christmas Special...
) and WPC Jane Morton (Mary Woodvine
Mary Woodvine
Mary Woodvine is a British actress who appeared as Mary Harkinson in EastEnders in 2003. Her father, John Woodvine, is also an actor.She has also appeared in Doc Martin, Born and Bred, Casualty, Pie in the Sky, Down to Earth and Heartbeat. In 1994 she played the role of Aurelia Took in Space...
, daughter of actor John Woodvine
John Woodvine
John Woodvine is an English stage and screen actor who has appeared in more than 70 theatre productions, as well as a similar number of television and film roles.-Early life:...
). In the restaurant Crabbe is helped by chefs Steve Turner (Joe Duttine; 21 episodes) and then Gary Palmer (Nick Lamont; 20 episodes) – both reformed ex-criminals – and John the waiter (Ashley Russell) and Linda the waitress (Alison McKenna). The latter was subsequently replaced by Nicola the waitress (Samantha Womack). After Nicola's departure she is in turn replaced by Sally (Marsha Thomason
Marsha Thomason
Marsha Lisa Thomason is an English actress, who is known in the United States for playing Nessa Holt in the first two seasons of the NBC series Las Vegas, for her recurring role on ABC's Lost as Naomi Dorrit, and for playing FBI agent Diana Berrigan on USA Network's White Collar.-Early...
). Also reappearing throughout is Leon Henderson (Nick Raggett), who supplies the restaurant with fruit and vegetables, as well as working there some evenings doing the washing up.
Robert Putt is Chief Constable Braithwaite who appeared in 3 episodes between (1996-1997). Caroline Loncq played Jenny Drabble for 3 episodes (1996-1997).
One of Henry's heroes, the (fictional) food writer Hilary Smallwood (the other being Alexis Soyer
Alexis Soyer
Alexis Benoist Soyer was a French chef who became the most celebrated cook in Victorian England. He also tried to alleviate suffering of the Irish poor in the Great Irish Famine , and improve the food provided to British soldiers in the Crimean War.-Biography:Alexis Benoist Soyer was born at...
), is modelled on Elizabeth David
Elizabeth David
Elizabeth David CBE was a British cookery writer who, in the mid-20th century, strongly influenced the revitalisation of the art of home cookery with articles and books about European cuisines and traditional British dishes.Born to an upper-class family, David rebelled against social norms of the...
.
Episodes
1st Series 1994- "The Best of Both Worlds" - Henry lets Hooperman escape, and Fisher takes the opportunity to suspend his retirement.
- "The Truth Will Out" - a delusional cop seeks to bring Fisher's ally down, and Henry recruits a new waiter.
- "An Innocent Man" - Pie in the Sky becomes the scene of a corruption sting, but Henry acts in favour of his customer.
- "Once a Copper" - Henry cooks a banquet for a visiting Japanese delegation, and tracks down a criminal from his past, who was presumed dead.
- "A Shot in the Dark" - a narcotics investigation ends in a bitten hand for Fisher, and Henry finds a new source of escargots.
- "Undesirable Elements" - Steve investigates the burglary of Pie in the Sky, while Henry does battle with murderous private sector cops.
- "Passion Fruit Fool" - the girlfriend of Henry's dry cleaner is kidnapped by a psychotic ex-lover.
- "A Matter of Taste" - Henry uncovers two separate wine scams in Middleton.
- "Who Only Stand and Wait" - Henderson's neighbour finds a dismembered corpse, which may prove the innocence of an imprisoned man.
- "Endangered Species" - Margaret and Henderson side with Reynard the Fox in opposing a new bypass, while Henry must question his loyalties.
2nd Series Winter 1995
- "Hard Cheese" - Henry investigates a prowler fond of older ladies, and begins to suspect the celibate supplier of his cheese.
- "Brown Bread" - a corpse vanishes from the Pie in the Sky's lavatories, and Henry soon finds himself investigating a counterfeit currency.
- "The Policeman's Daughter" - Fisher's daughter joins a squat on Henderson's field, and Henry is recruited to bring her back.
- "The One That Got Away" - the fish farmer's fiance appears to have been murdered, and it's up to Henry to save his best trout supplier.
- "Dead Right" - Henry becomes entangled with a self-publicising psychic, and together they solve the mystery of a missing girl.
- "Black Pudding" - Henry is reunited with his hero, Hillary Smallwood, and becomes embroiled in her nephew's wicked plot.
- "Swan in His Pride" - Henry goes undercover in Bath to investigate the local constabulary, who are using a serial killer to mask their errors.
- "The Mild Bunch" - as two pensioners go on a fraud spree, the inclusion of Dundee marmalade in their trademark pudding motivates Henry to find them.
- "The Mystery of Pikey" - two posh children take advantage of a poor fisherman, and Henderson falls in the river.
- "Lemon Twist" - Henry goes on a management training course, while Pie In The Sky is mobbed following a glowing review.
3rd Series Winter 1996
- "Money Talks" - Henry stakes out a pizza parlor. John and Steve have left. A new chef, Gary arrives and helps Henry catch the pizza gang.
- "Game Pie" - Henry caters his friend's pheasant shoot, where Fisher is among the guests. Another member of the party is shot and killed and it looks as if Fisher accidentally shot him.
- "Irish Stew" - An Irishwoman books the restaurant for a wedding banquet for her and her new husband. Byron's briefcase is stolen from his hotel and Henry is suspicious of his reaction.
- "Doggett's Coat and Badge" - Charles Rider, a wine-loving regular at Pie in the Sky, is being threatened. So Rider comes to Henry Crabbe for help.
- "This Other Eden" - Henry investigates thefts of valuable plants from gardens, while Margaret unknowingly employs the chief suspect.
- "Coddled Eggs" - While recovereing stolen cars, Henry apprehends a larger smuggling ring headed by two Russians.
4th Series Autumn 1996
- "Devils on Horseback (1)" - Henry and Margaret spend a day at the races with her new client Bob Bishop. The corpse of stable lad Ben Tucker is found in a horse-box.
- "Devils on Horseback (2)" - Margaret stumbles on the killer. Meanwhile Nicola is annoyed when a school friend appears to be making a play for Gary.
- "Chinese Whispers" - The Chen family's Chinese takeaway is set fire to, but Mr. Chen will not go to the police. His daughter Mei asks Henry for help.
- "New Leaf" - Henry must guard a safe house protecting an uncooperative star witness. He eventually wins her over with his cooking.
- "Breaking Bread" - To save money, Fisher employs a new company to supply the police canteen. Arrests go down and Fisher relies on Henry to find a reason to get rid of the new company.
- "Gary's Cake" - When the restaurant is robbed, Henry closes the restaurant to do his own investigation, solving the crime in time to mark two years of Gary giving up alcohol with a celebratory cake.
5th Series 1997
- "Squashed Tomatoes" - Cambridge is gone and Henry is saddled with two new staff members. At the restaurant, Nicola has left and Gary is unhappy.
- "Ugly Customers" - Henry's team go to the garish Luxor Hotel to protect a jury. Back at the restaurant Sally learns to get the better of a sex pest.
- "Pork Pies" - Henry and the squad go to a meat factory where animal rights protesters are demonstrating against the owner. Henry finds the sausages contain soya and are wholly meat-free.
- "Cutting the Mustard" - Henry is called to a school where a student has been beaten up by local youths. Henry finds a Chemistry teacher selling Ecstasy tablets.
- "Return Match" - Henry has to solve a series of thefts from lorries and gets unexpected help from private security firm Troubleshooters.
- "The Apprentice" - Nicky comes to Pie in the Sky, claiming he is there for work experience. Henry uses him in the kitchen and he impresses everyone. The till is robbed and Nicky goes missing.
- "In the Smoke" - The Crabbes holiday in London. Henry discovers a friend in hiding while Margaret finds a body in the trash.
- "Smelling of Roses" - Henry loses his sense of smell and mysteriously regains it when he resigns from the police once and for all.
Filming locations
Westershire, the fictional county where the series is set, is based on BerkshireBerkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
in southern England. Although scenes in Middleton were often filmed in Marlow
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Marlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England...
in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....
, the exterior of the restaurant, Pie in the Sky, was filmed outside number 64 High Street in the Old Town in Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead is a town in Hertfordshire in the East of England, to the north west of London and part of the Greater London Urban Area. The population at the 2001 Census was 81,143 ....
, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
. Originally a florist and then a toy shop, the building became a minor tourist attraction while the series ran, and from 1997 has housed the business of a dolls’-house maker. A nearby restaurant at 80 High Street renamed itself "Pie in the Sky" (later becoming "Les Amants") to capitalise on the programme's popularity. All internal filming at the restaurant was carried out at Bray Studios
Bray Studios (UK)
Bray Studios is a film and television facility at Bray, near Windsor, Berkshire, England. The films Alien and The Rocky Horror Picture Show were shot there...
at Water Oakley
Water Oakley
Water Oakley is a hamlet on the River Thames in the civil parish of Bray in the English county of Berkshire.It is the location of both Bray Studios and the Oakley Court Hotel. It first appeared on maps around 1800. However, the name 'Oakley' is derived from the Old English ac-leah which translates...
, near Windsor
Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family....
in Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
. The local newspaper, the Maidenhead Advertiser
Maidenhead Advertiser
The Maidenhead Advertiser is a weekly local paper which has been published in the Berkshire town of Maidenhead since 1869.It is an independent publication run by the family firm Baylis Media Ltd, and is unique in the fact is it owned by a charitable trust, the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust, which...
, occasionally appears in the series redubbed the 'Barstock and Middleton Advertiser'. Freddie Fisher plays golf at Stoke Park
Stoke Park Club
Stoke Park is a historic estate in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. The Mansion is located amongst of parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments. The site is now a hotel, spa and country club....
Golf Club at Stoke Poges
Stoke Poges
Stoke Poges is a village and civil parish in the South Buckinghamshire district of Buckinghamshire, England. It is in the south of the county, about three miles north of Slough and a mile east of Farnham Common....
.
Both the exterior and interior of the 'Nebditch Intercontinental Hotel' which features throughout episode 2 of the 1st series, "The Truth Will Out", was filmed at the John Nike
John Nike
John Nike OBE is a Bracknell-based leisure and hotels entrepreneur.He used to own the Thames Valley Tigers basketball team. With his family, he is worth £92 million according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2006....
Hotel at Binfield
Binfield
Binfield is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest borough of Berkshire, England. According to the 2001 census it has a population of 7,475...
, near Bracknell
Bracknell
Bracknell is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, England. It lies to the south-east of Reading, southwest of Windsor and west of central London...
in Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
. The adjoining John Nike Bracknell Ski and Snowboard Centre is also featured.
In episode 3 of the 1st series, "An Innocent Man", train enthusiast Duncan Spellar lives at Brocket Hall
Brocket Hall
Brocket Hall is a country house in Hertfordshire, England, from London by road. It was built for Sir Matthew Lamb, 1st Baronet, in around 1760 to designs by the architect James Paine. It stands on the site of two predecessors, the first of which was built in 1239 and the second in about 1430. It...
at Lemsford
Lemsford
Lemsford is a village and parish in Hertfordshire. It is near Welwyn Garden City and was created out of Hatfield parish in 1858.It is nearly 3 miles N. from Hatfield, on the S.E. side of Brocket Hall Park. It is widely known for its large mill on the River Lea, which is now the headquarters of...
in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
. In the opening scene, Julian Tubbs MP is shown dining on the terrace at the 'Compleat Angler' at Bisham
Bisham
Bisham is a village and civil parish in the Windsor and Maidenhead district of Berkshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 1,149. The village is on the River Thames, north of which is Marlow in Buckinghamshire...
in East Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, overlooking Marlow
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Marlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England...
Church on the other side of the River Thames. Later Crabbe follows him to 'Middleton Station' which was filmed at Horsley railway station
Horsley railway station
Horsley railway station is located in the village of East Horsley in Surrey, England.The station is managed by South West Trains, who provide the majority of train services; Southern also provide some peak period services....
in Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
.
In episode 4 of the 1st series, "Once a Copper", the opening scene was filmed at Shirburn Castle
Shirburn Castle
Shirburn Castle is at the village of Shirburn, south of Thame, Oxfordshire.Shirburn Castle was the seat of the Earls of Macclesfield. George Parker, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield , celebrated as an astronomer, spent much time conducting astronomical observations at Shirburn Castle, which his father...
. Barstock University is Bracknell College
Bracknell and Wokingham College
Bracknell & Wokingham College is a general college of further education, offering courses for school leavers, adults and employers training their staff, and based in Bracknell, Berkshire, England. The college became Bracknell & Wokingham College in 1996....
. The 'Thin Blue Line' Conference takes place at Oakley Court
Oakley Court
Oakley Court is a Victorian Gothic country house set in overlooking the River Thames at Water Oakley in the civil parish of Bray in the English county of Berkshire. It was built in 1859 and is currently a luxury hotel. It has been often used as a film location.-History:The Court was built in 1859...
, adjoining Bray Studios. Henry is shown hurrying to the Japanese Reception across Marlow Bridge
Marlow Bridge
Marlow Bridge is a road traffic and foot bridge over the River Thames in England between the town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire and the village of Bisham in Berkshire. It crosses the Thames just upstream of Marlow Lock, on the reach to Temple Lock....
.
In episode 5 of the 1st series, "A Shot in the Dark", the deceased works at White Waltham Airfield
White Waltham Airfield
White Waltham Airfield , is located at White Waltham, southwest of Maidenhead, in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England...
while his home is a cottage in Waltham St Lawrence both in East Berkshire.
In episode 1 of the 2nd series, "Hard Cheese", the 'Laxton Grange Hotel' was filmed at Oakley Court
Oakley Court
Oakley Court is a Victorian Gothic country house set in overlooking the River Thames at Water Oakley in the civil parish of Bray in the English county of Berkshire. It was built in 1859 and is currently a luxury hotel. It has been often used as a film location.-History:The Court was built in 1859...
, adjoining Bray Studios. 'Laxton' is based on the town of Bracknell.
In episode 5 of the 2nd series, "Dead Right", Henry has a picnic with the psychic down by the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
in the churchyard
Churchyard
A churchyard is a patch of land adjoining or surrounding a church which is usually owned by the relevant church or local parish itself. In the Scots language or Northern English language this can also be known as a kirkyard or kirkyaird....
at Bisham
Bisham
Bisham is a village and civil parish in the Windsor and Maidenhead district of Berkshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 1,149. The village is on the River Thames, north of which is Marlow in Buckinghamshire...
in East Berkshire.
Episode 7 of the 2nd series, "Swan in His Pride", is set in the city of Bath in Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
which features throughout. Crabbe and Fisher catch the train to Bath from Reading railway station
Reading railway station
Reading railway station is a major rail transport hub in the English town of Reading. It is situated on the northern edge of the town centre, close to the main retail and commercial areas, and also the River Thames...
in Berkshire.
In episodes 1 & 2 of the 4th series, "Devils on Horseback," the cider brewery is filmed at Stanlake Park
Stanlake Park Wine Estate
Stanlake Park Wine Estate is the biggest vineyard open to the public in the English county of Berkshire. It is situated near to Twyford, on the borders with Hurst and Ruscombe.-Vineyard and winery:...
near Twyford
Twyford, Berkshire
For other places of the same name, see Twyford.Twyford is a village and civil parish in the English Royal county of Berkshire. It is situated, at , in the heart of the Thames Valley on the A4 between Reading and Maidenhead, close to Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham.-History:The town's name is...
in Berkshire.
In episode 5 of the 4th series, "Breaking Bread," Crabbe and Cambridge go to some kind of planning office to examine building plans. The offices are Easthampstead Park
Easthampstead Park
Easthampstead Park is a Victorian mansion in the civil parish of Bracknell in the English county of Berkshire. It is currently a conference centre.-Location:...
, near Bracknell.
In episode 2 of the 5th series, "Ugly Customers," Crabbe goes to examine the home of the foreman of the jury. He visits a small country house which is the 'Pump Room' at Winkfield
Winkfield
Winkfield is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest unitary authority of Berkshire, England.-Geography:According to the 2001 census, the parish had a population of 15,271...
Plain, near Windsor
Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family....
, in Berkshire.
DVD
The Freemantle Media box set of the entire series is currently available from Amazon.co.uk.In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Acorn Media has released separate sets of all five series on May 12, 2009 (Series 1), January 26, 2010 (Series 2), September 7, 2010 (Series 3), January 25, 2011 (Series 4), and August 2, 2011 (Series 5).