At this year’s Gathering of the North in the heart of Sherwood Forest, we’re thrilled to welcome Botanical Bakes & Bites, a trader whose passion for historical food brings the flavours of the medieval world back to life.

For the past two years, Botanical Bakes & Bites has been hand‑crafting pies, pastries, and the occasional sweet treat inspired by centuries‑old recipes. What began as a love for all things culinary and a fascination with the foods of bygone eras has grown into a unique historical baking venture that blends research, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

Handmade as in Days of Old

Every item is crafted by hand, using methods and ingredients that echo medieval kitchens:

“Crafted by hand as in days of old,
Golden flakes of pastry, crisp and bold,
Filled with wholesome, hearty fare within.”

Many ingredients are grown personally by the baker; vegetables, fruits, herbs and everything is made from scratch. Visitors are often surprised to learn that most of the menu is plant‑based, proving that historical food can be both authentic and innovative.

Signature Medieval Pyes

Among the most popular offerings are:

Plant‑based Sossy Rolls: a crowd favourite

Friar Tuck Pye: hale, hearty, and swimming in dark ale gravy

Maid Marion Pye: a sweet‑meets-savoury creation of fruits, spices, and a bold blue cheese, reflecting Marion’s strength and spirit

Each recipe is rooted in medieval culinary experimentation, where sweet and savoury often intertwined and spices were used with fearless creativity.

Why Sherwood?

Botanical Bakes & Bites is joining us at Gathering of the North because historical markets are their true passion. Living in Lincoln makes Sherwood Forest a perfect fit, and the event offers the ideal setting to showcase historically inspired foods—and to get playful with character‑themed pye names.

But beyond the baking, it’s the camaraderie, the shared love of history, and the joy of mingling with like‑minded people that keeps this trader returning to events like ours.

Find Botanical Bakes & Bites After the Event

If you fall in love with their medieval delights (and you will), you can follow their journey here:

Facebook: Botanical Bakes & Bites

Instagram: @botanicalbakesandbites

Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to taste history.