Borough Talks… What It Takes To Be A Good Cookery Writer

Following the success of its launch in June, Borough Market is once again opening its doors for the second in its series of brand new food debates delving into the some of the most important and relevant issues relating to food today.

The monthly panel events, taking place in the market’s Three Crown Square, see some of the most respected names in the industry – including producers, traders, journalists and activists – discuss a variety of topics that are currently driving the news agenda and creating buzz in the UK food scene.

On Tuesday 28th July, the debate will ask What makes a good cookery writer? In a world dominated by Instagram, blogs, Twitter and the increasing digitalisation of content, the panel will discuss the changing face of cookery writing. Taking place in the heart of the Market with industry experts on the panel, this debate will also cover the tricks of the food writing trade for budding bloggers.

Celebrated chef, restauranteur and food writer Mark Hix has been announced as a member of the panel. Known for his original take on British gastronomy, Mark opened his first restaurant in 2008 - the distinguished Hix Oyster & Chop House - and has gone on to expand his collection ever since. As well as being in the kitchen, Mark has a regular column in Esquire, a weekly column in The Independent, and is the author of a number of cookbooks on British cuisine.

Other panelists include chef and best-selling author of Made in India, Meera Sodha whose collection of recipes from three generations aim to change the way we cook, eat, and think about Indian food. Alongside Meera will sit Stephanie Jackson, a Publishing Director at Octopus whose commissions include Sabrina Ghayour’s award-winning and bestselling Persiana and Pitt Cue The Cookbook, amongst other titles, as well as
Ed Smith, food writer, Creative Director at Cannon & Cannon and author of award-winning blog Rocket & Squash.

The Melting Pot – How London’s Food Scene Shapes What We Eat will follow in August, with restauranteurs, traders and trend experts discussing the fast-paced and ever changing food landscape in the capital, how that translates across the country and what is likely to be the next big foodie craze.

The final event, The Future of Food, which will take place in September and close the market’s year-long 1,000th anniversary celebrations, will look ahead and question what we’ll be eating in 50 years’ time – as well as how and where we’ll be doing it.

The debate will be led by Professor Tim Lang and will see other panelists cover wide-ranging topics from ultra-processed food to the shrinking retail environment and even alternative sources of protein.

• What Makes a Great Cookery Writer?, Tuesday 28th July, 7pm-9pm
• The melting pot, how London’s food scene shapes what we eat, Tuesday 25th August, 7pm-9pm
• The Future of Food, Tuesday 29th September, 7pm-9pm

Tickets cost £15 and are on sale now. Cover price includes entry to the debate, as well as food and drink tastings from Borough Market traders.