Delicious UK August 2025

I Keep catching myself doing it. I’m complaining. It’s TOO HOT. I can’t believe I’ve dared to utter these words when for months, years (!), I’ve been missing the comforting warmth, the bright sunshine and the mesmerising blue skies of a proper British summertime. This is what barbecue dreams are made of. This is when the theory of picnicking can actually be put into practice. This is when one ice cream a day is not only allowed but encouraged. This is what we all hope for, isn’t it? Of course it is. But I hope you’ll forgive yourself, as I have, when some days warrant a mild, sweaty grumble. Then you can retreat into the coolest room with a handsome scoop of our no-churn lemon meringue pie sorbet (another Tom…

A book I’ve been turning to, to get me in the mood for the holidays, is At Home In Provence by Jeany Cronk (Quadrille £27), co-owner of winemakers Maison Mirabeau. Neat nibbles include spicy mimosa eggs with crispy sage and moreish fennel seed socca with caramelised onions. Sunny suppers include brûléed figs with beetroot, endive and walnut-parsley pistou; and, naturally, a coq au vin rosé (pictured). The photography is beautiful and the storytelling makes you want to give up everything and move to Provence immediately.…

Q Would you describe yourself as a Scouser? A No, I’m a Wirralite. It’s across the Mersey, y’see. Q The Hollywood handshake has taken on a life of its own. There’s even an essay on the internet claiming it’s ‘the epitome of the patriarchy’. When you first did it in GBBO season three, was it planned? A No, no one’s ever said to me, “Give someone a handshake”. It was very of the moment, a pat on the back. Well done, you’ve done a great job. And then it’s just sort of been built up to a ridiculous stage now. Q You’ve been giving them out more often over the years. Is that grade inflation or have the bakers got better? A I think the viewers would tell you the…

SEASON'S EATINGS CARROTS I went to France for my holiday this year and became a little obsessed over the selection of carottes râpées in the supermarkets. It’s coarsely grated carrots in a zingy dressing, usually mustard-and-lemon-based. Crunchy, sweet, earthy and simple, it pairs with so many things – I can’t stop making it this summer. CUCUMBERS My two-year-old gets through a cucumber every couple of days, so I’ve been inundated with the things recently. They’re brilliant in salads, but what I really like is cutting them into thick batons and throwing them into a stir-fry. Add them at the end and cook for 1-2 minutes for a pleasing, refreshing crunch. REDCURRANTS These little edible jewels – once a Christmas essential until the advent of the cranberry – are actually at…

Every summer in Lewes, Sussex, a quirky tradition takes centre stage: the World Pea Throwing Championships. Held at the Lewes Arms pub – this year on Sunday 10 August – the contest sees participants take turns hurling three peas each down Castle Ditch Lane next to the pub. The aim? To see whose pea travels the furthest (the current record stands at 44m). Running for around 40 years, the event blends friendly competition with good-humoured eccentricity and plenty of suitable refreshment. If you’re thinking of entering, be warned. No pea shooters allowed. For more information visit lewesarms.co.uk…

You’ll find it hard not to gallop through this debut novel at the same speed as its mysterious chef-turned-social-media-star author hurtles through her working week. Followers of @sluttycheff on Instagram will be familiar with her brutal honesty and humour. You’ll perhaps be surprised, though, at her vulnerability as she shares the highs and lows of working in a professional kitchen (as a female or otherwise) and falls in and out of love with cooks, kitchens and the city. Expect sex and small plates.…