I’ve nothing against quiche. In fact, I quite like it. But is it really a dish fit for a king? The man himself obviously thinks so, having chosen it to celebrate his coronation. But it’s hardly ‘four-and-twenty-blackbirds’, is it? Or indeed the renowned cherries of...
The Celts of these islands used to light huge bonfires on the night before May Day. They were welcoming 'Bel', the god of light and fire, and marking the return of fertility to the land. It’s difficult to think of a better...
St. George was from Cappadocia, in what is now Turkey. But in the finest of English traditions, we made him our own. #culturalappropriation The point is that you don’t need to be English to celebrate St. George’s Day next Sunday. (Not least...
When we lived in Spain, I used to pride myself on heading out every now and again and buying a whole 'lubina' (bass) to do 'a la sal' (salt baked). This is the best of the Med, I used to think...
This is James. This time tomorrow he hopes to be 20 - 30 metres underwater. In fact, that’s true of every day next week. Because James is a scallop diver. At 0630, he meets his two colleagues in the habour and then the three...
The doctor’s bill was $900, and a sharp reminder of the difference between the British and American health systems. I was in Washington DC and had terrible bronchitis. Again. But it turned out to be the best $900 I ever spent. “I’ll prescribe...
The magic of brunch is that you can eat more or less whatever you like. Perhaps that’s why (or because?) brunch was born in America. But it’s interesting how big it’s got over here in the last few years. No doubt ably assisted...
One question we’re often asked is ‘how do you find your producers?’. 'With difficulty,' was the honest answer in the beginning. There’s a few reasons for this. First and foremost, our producers aren’t sitting behind desks, like lots of us. They’re out, doing the fishing, foraging...
In 1981, tensions between East and West were high, to say the least. Matters were not helped when a Soviet submarine beached itself in Swedish waters. Moscow apologised, but clearly NATO and the US had been rattled. They ordered millions more...
When Rob sent me this photo over the weekend - and even though I had already eaten - I got immediately hungry. The picture is of his cold smoked pollock, and I hope you'll let me tell you what Rob told...
“Got to find some first. Full moon and now wet conditions.” This was Craig’s response to me asking if he’d have any wild rabbits for next week. It’s genuinely amazing how much the weather and seasons impact what our producers bring to...
From the outset, I’ve talked about Wylde as being a ‘rebellion’. But it's not the sort of rebellion that requires anyone to glue their hands to a tube train. This rebellion is significantly more quiet, thoughtful. One where, together, we vote...