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I roam, grow my own, brave the kitchen heat and know my woozy way around a wine list. Welcome to my (very personal) world of food and drink…

After years of journalistic hyper-activity, lockdowns made me reassess the food and drink I really care about. Refreshed and unrestrained, I started this. Call it a blog if you must, it’s certainly a change of direction. Less about me, more the discoveries I want to share. Read more…

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Playing with fire – serious chefs that are jumping on the smoking bandwagon

Cooking over an open fire is on trend. Its roots go further back and today's chefs can learn from the masters
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Unveiled: the terrific 2026 MFDF Awards shortlist – cast your votes now

Check out who is up for a gong in the 2026 MFDF Awards. The shortlists have been announced and there's so much to get your teeth into
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In Seef hands again – the working class Antwerp beer that simply evaporated

What could be more authentically working class than an entire neighbourhood named after a beer? Seefhoek has kept its gritty character against the forces  of gentrification decades after Seef, its iconic foaming raison d’etre, was consigned…
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Celebrating Mexican Independence Day with Santiago Lastra’s goosegog salsa

Gooseberries replace tomatillos in the classic Mexican salsa, according to the gospel of Santiago Lastra. I pair it with oxtail

All the winners from the MFDF Awards 2025 on a night celebrating community 

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The only hospitality awards that really count in Manchester continue to delight and surprise. Now in their 28th year the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards returned to New Century Hall for a celebration of the resilience of the city and region in testing times. 18 winners were announced from food and drink establishments with […]

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A slice of my sweet, sweet sausage? You’ll be tasting a very Catalan dish

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A sugar heavy sausage is a surprising Catalan delicacy. Can I reproduce it?

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Hot lemons! Lonely Planet’s ready Med answer to those January blues

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New Lonely Planet book explores off-the beaten track corners of the Mediterranean

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East Neuk is unique – that’s why I’m dreaming of a Fife Christmas

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I visit one of the most delightful under the radar regions of Scotland and enjoy its remarkable food culture

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My Italian Food Trail: Peposo (don’t stint on the peppercorns)

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Florentine Peposo is one of the simplest dishes imaginable – beef, pepper, red wine, garlic, salt – and one of the most delicious

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Hrishi Desai – what makes this great Cumbrian-based chef patron tick?

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From Poona to Cumbria – an interview with the groundbreaking chef patron of Farlam Hall

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Why the marvellous Marble Arch mustn’t be squeezed out by this high rise hell

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High rise development is threatening the future of the Marble Arch, arguably Manchester’s greatest heritage pub

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Pigeon ice cream oliebol? Welcome to the wizard van der Kroft’s magical lair

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Checking out Tres, an amazing Green Michelin starred tasting menu restaurant in Rotterdam

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