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Hashi

Reiko Hashimoto has been teaching Japanese cooking for over 12 years. Born in Kyoto and brought up in a traditional Japanese household. After working in Hong Kong and travelling around the world she has an international interest and understanding of food. She lives in Southwest London where her cookery school HASHI is based. Reiko has also appeared…

Yotam Ottolenghi and Nopi

Yotam Ottolenghi and his team are all greatly admired in our household. We all love his recipes, I have all his books so Sami Tamimi and Ramael Scully cannot go without a mention too. His style of cooking is a middle eastern basis and yet he has given it a western twist and while previously it…

Maitre Choux

London now has an amazing breadth of international cuisine from fine dining to patisserie and even more casual dining experiences. We have had an explosion of cupcakes, doughnuts and macaroons. I think it is safe to say that it is the Parisians who spring to mind when we imagine a pastry of any significance and Joakim…

The Ham Yard Hotel

There is a little haven of tranquility tucked away behind Piccadilly Circus in the very heart of London. I think the courtyard is referred to as Ham Yard Village and here nestled amongest trees and an impressive bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg is this Firmdale establishment which I love. There is an urban feel as you…

The Gritti Palace

I would stay in no other place than the Gritti Palace in Venice. Total discretion, immaculate service and great courtesy. This hotel has also recently been refurbished to its former glory. We arrived and were fortunate enough to shown up to the most beautiful suite on the top floor with a spectacular view of the Grand…

Masks and Gondolas

I could not write about Venice without a brief mention of the magnificent and unique transportation. The highlight of any visit must be the river transport. We walked an enormous amount but also used the Vaporetti extensively. Rather than a Gondola ride I much prefer the luxury of taking a taxi to the airport which…

Feasting in Venice

The difficulty in Venice is finding a peaceful spot. I love markets and fresh produce so am always happy to explore and find an authentic place to eat local produce. Staying five minutes from the Rialto Bridge we crossed over to the right side of the Grand Canal to the Rialto Market. Here there are the…

Venice

One of the fortunate aspects of children who are studying overseas is the optimal excuse to visit them. Venice was one such adventure. As the train approaches Venice there is a magnificent view of this magical city. What is slightly alarming is the dominating presence of enormous cruise liners which float like giant amusement parks….

Chef in Training

I was fortunate enough to visit Immie during her gruelling schedule at the Cookery School. The students had an early start and worked all morning each in teams to produce different aspects of the lunch menu. Such an industrious kitchen and I was so envious of the fantastic organisation of equipment and ingredients. I was invited…

Cookery School

This exceptional cookery school is run by Darina, Rory and Rachel Allen assisted by an additional team of fantastic teachers and technicians. I was in awe when we dropped off Immie as everything is so aesthetically pleasing. The corridors and hallways are full of wild flower arrangements so creatively thrown together and baskets and dishes…

Ballymaloe House

After a chaotic week with preparations and endless birthday celebrations I am able to put pen to paper again as it were. Simply back to the keyboard! One of my favourite places is the spectacular Ballymaloe House in County Cork Ireland. I love everything about this place and Ireland itself. Having read about the very…

Highclere Castle

We are surrounded by a wealth of stately homes and beautiful gardens which are at our disposal and Highclere Castle was one such venue which, having been an avid fan of Downton Abbey I was very keen to visit. It had taken me a while to get organised and when I at last looked online…