The London Cookbook book review

Food writer Jenny Linford delves deep into the city’s backstreets to bring us 'The London Cookbook'. Originally from London, Jenny unearths the many flavours of her birth place, drawing on the city’s rich variety of cultural influences in the kitchen. Cuisines from all corners of the world are covered, from Mrs Lim’s Singapore Garden in Swiss Cottage to Colin Bailey’s Biggles butchers in Marylebone. Alongside traditional British dishes - eel, pie and mash, afternoon tea and fish and chips - are foods that appeal to Greek, Italian and Iranian tastes.

24 Hour London

Chronologically listed, the book reads like a day in the life of a foodie. Starting with a full fry-up for breakfast, turn the page for tempting nibbles and snacks, trips to the best bakeries, tea or coffee shops. And to finish - as you would after a lavish three-course dinner - are chapters on cheeses, desserts and hand-made chocolates. Special sections on comfort food and celebrations cater for those indulgent occasions and are peppered with tried and trusted formulas like Fiona Platter’s Chicken Soup - "the Jewish penicillin", she calls it.

Real Recipes

'The London Cookbook' cleverly combines recommended recipes with the best places to source quality ingredients from specialist artisan shops to farmers’ markets. Recipes have the feel of family favourites, passed down through generations and practised by real people, not just celebrity chefs. So instead of overly complicated menus designed to work in a Michelin starred restaurant you get cooking tips from people like Tony Booth, dedicated fruit and veg man with a stall at Borough Market. You can buy his asparagus and peas at Borough then try out his spaghetti recipe which mixes the vegetables with mascarpone cheese.

Personal Passions

The real joy of this delightful cook book is the personal touch with input from people who are passionate about food. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Published just in time for Christmas, sourcing and stuffing the turkey will take on an added appeal with this book as your guide.

Our Christmas Gift to You

Just for Christmas, when you book a hotel using the special Christmas hotel map on LondonTown.com you’ll receive a free copy of 'The London Cookbook'. Merry Christmas and happy food shopping!
  The London Cookbook (£14.99, Metro Publications)