Burnley features in BBC's Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts

She came to Burnley for an episode of Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts.

Andi was there to help cook up a feast, with the help and produce from local businesses, for an inter-faith cricket match between Muslims and Christians.

Mill Town Pies' Jonny Russell with Andi Oliver (Image: BBC)

Several businesses were featured in the episode, including Aroma Asian Restaurant and Mill Town Pies.

Some familiar faces also made an appearance in the episode, including the leader of Burnley Council, Afrasiab Anwar, and the Bishop of Blackburn Philip North.

Andi also referenced the Burnley riots, in 2001, which saw cars and buildings go up in flames and were the culmination of many years of simmering racial tensions.

On the show, Andi said: “It’s one of those really strong northern towns but it’s got a bit of a chequered history.

“In 2001 it hit headlines for being a divided community. Race riots left lasting damage on the town.

“They lasted for two nights and caused more than £1m worth of damages. It was thought to be caused by racial tensions and fuelled by far-right groups.

“It had a devastating and lasting effect on the people of Burnley and how the rest of the country perceives them.

“Since then faith leaders have been finding ways to bring communities closer together.”

Aroma Asian Restaurant owner Abdul Majeed (Image: BBC)

The aim of the cricket match was to encourage community cohesion.

While the match itself was stopped due to bad weather, taking place off-camera months later, Andi did cook a cricket tea for the community to enjoy.

On the episode, she called into Aroma Asian Restaurant to speak with owner Abdul Majeed.

They cooked Murgh Harabhara and Abdul promised to provide naan breads for the cricket feast.

Abdul said: “Andi loved the dish. She had a taste and wanted to take the rest with her so I think she enjoyed it.

“She was a very nice person, so lively. I felt comfortable cooking with her. I never felt nervous or under pressure.”

Andi also visited Mill Town Pies to speak with the “king of pies” Jonny Russell. They cooked a curried mushroom pie dish.

Johnny said: “This used to be a sandwich shop. We would sell pie and peas at functions using ready-made pastries.

“You learn as you go. [When I first started making pies] the bottoms weren’t cooking properly and I was trying to find out why.

“I had very supportive friends and family who told me they were good at first when they were pretty bad.”

Speaking about Johnny, Andi said: “Johnny has a genuine passion for what he does. I love how he learned to make pies through dogged determination.

“His pies are delicious and I am excited about our curried mushroom pie.”

Speaking at the cricket game Andi said: “The spirit of this day is one of brother and sisterhood and community cohesion. I think it’s the most beautiful idea and I love that you do this here.”

You can watch Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts on BBC iPlayer.