Boycie opens new AGA carvery in Bridgnorth
Only Fools and Horses star John Challis joined 200 other guests to mark the launch of the unique AGA carvery at a pub in Bridgnorth.
Challis, who played Boycie in the cult BBC sitcom was guest of honour for the launch night at the Punch Bowl Inn on the outskirts of the town. He was invited along by owner Adam Giles after the pair struck up conversation on social networking site Twitter last year.
Mr Challis, who lives on the south Shropshire border, said: "I first heard of this initiative at the Punch Bowl Inn last year on Twitter.
"It sounded intriguing and when I was asked if I would like to support Adam and the team on the night, I was delighted.
"Being an AGA owner myself I know how important it is to any household, including being the centre of my own home where my wife cooks some wonderful meals. It was a wonderful evening hosted by the Punch Bowl. The AGA looked amazing and the carvery was the best I have tasted – I will certainly be back."
Mr Giles was praised for coming up with the concept by AGA chief executive William McGrath, who was also in attendance on the night and likened the pub owner to one of the early inventors of the AGA during the industrial revolution.
Mr Giles said: "We are so excited about this partnership with AGA. It's been a long time in the planning since I dreamt up the concept around 10 years ago.
"I was brought up with an AGA cooker at my family home in Worcestershire and it was always the focal point of our activities.
"I come from a family of pub owners and passionate cooks and we would spend hours in the kitchen, creating new dishes and tasting what we had made.
"It's a dream come true.
"You could say it has been a labour of love in recent months getting it all together. AGA and other local companies have been hugely supportive, as well as our regulars who are really very excited about this concept.
"The launch event really was the icing on the cake – or should I say the gravy on the carvery!"
As well as the appearance of Boycie, the invited VIPs were also treated to a live jazz band and songs from Robbie Williams impersonator Ollie Hughes.
The AGA carvery is now open to the public.
