I grow my own, brave the kitchen heat and know my woozy way around a wine list. Welcome to my post-lockdown world…
You may call it a blog if you must. It’s certainly a change of direction I’ve been putting off through years of journalistic hyper-activity. The lockdowns have made me reassess the food and drink I really care about. I feel refreshed and free of restraint. Even so. Please excuse the solipsistic sounding neilsowerby.co.uk. It’s not just about me. More the discoveries I want to share. Read more…

Hokkaidō comes to Didsbury – meeting the creative couple behind Midori at Wine and Wallop
Didsbury bar Wine and Wallop is hosting seriously good, authentic Japanese cuisine created by a globe-trotting couple.

Historic Brewing Conference, Mcr – cheers to August’s unmissable mash-up
Beer has been around since pre-historic times. Learn more about its incredible journey at a unique event in Manchester.

The North strikes back – Bavette, Lamb of Tartary and Eight at Gazegill
I check out three new, very different, northern eating spots that show huge potential.

Crispy Smoked Potatoes – edible legacy of the mighty Moorcock
It’s well over a year now since that ‘miracle on the moors’, The Moorcock Norland, closed its doors for good. Chef patron Al Brooke-Taylor is back in his adopted home of Australia pursuing his passion for pottery. I follow him from afar…

My favourite new restaurant in London? Donia – a Filipino fantasia
I explore the latest batch of exciting new eating spots in the capital, featuring Soho, Guinness and some serious spicing.

Jugging my hare, I feel a pang such a lovely creature perished for the pot
I jug a hare in the traditional way but it is my kitchen swansong for this mythical creature






