I’m a freelance journalist and writer – mostly food and drink, but occasionally with a wider menu – based in London. North London, obviously.
I’m happiest poking about markets, particularly when there are samples to be had and can be relied upon to stop and inspect every menu I pass – even the ones with lurid photos. In fact, especially those: I’m the kind of person who arrives back at Heathrow with a camera full of food as well as a suitcase bursting with jars.
I love to cook, and have never been known to miss a meal (brunch is a waste of opportunity as far as I’m concerned). I’d rather make a single well-crafted Manhattan last an evening than glug a bottle of bland Pinot Grigio, but if you throw a German Riesling into the ring, then I’ll happily take both.
Dragging myself reluctantly out of the kitchen, my other interests include bad photography, dogs (good and bad) and, occasionally, wild swimming (just me and the ducks). When I’ve not got my nose stuck in MFK Fisher or Paul Theroux, I like mid-century British and American literature – Greene, Updike, Murdoch, Spark etc – anything set in India, or by VS Naipaul, and bingeing on Mad Men. Ambitions include walking coast to coast, with suitable gastronomic reward, and speaking French without going completely betterave.
My favourite food is trifle (lots of sherry please, but hold the jelly).
I hate tinned tuna, and lemon curd. Especially together.
