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How the humble potato became the most important part of Christmas lunch, and how you can make them crunchier than ever
We all aspire to cook roast potatoes with the elusive shatteringly crisp shell and cloud-like interior, salivates Emma Hughes, as she discovers the golden rules for serving up the crunchiest of spuds
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A huge bubbling, burping, living thing: The rise (and rise) of sourdough starters
‘We look after not only our recipes, but our starters themselves — the forces of nature that keep us all going’
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A game of two halves — how the sandwich went from humble fare to a country-wide lunchtime obsession
What started life as a way to eat and play cards at the same time (so the story goes) is now the lunch of choice for the working world.
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Perfect Coronation street party recipes, from Mary Berry's ultimate scones to Tom Parker Bowles' irresistible coronation chicken
Emma Hughes collects the best Platinum Jubilee street party recipes from some of Britain's best-loved chefs and food writers.
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27 things to do for free in Britain, from spectacular waterfalls to medieval libraries
'The best things in life are free,' declared by Coco Chanel — who then added that ‘the second best things are very, very expensive’. So let's stick with the best, from stargazing to birdwatching. Emma Hughes picks 27 free and almost-free ways to while away a day.
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Hangover cures from some of Britain's greatest writers
From Hemingway to Wodehouse, we reveal the hangover remedies of literary greats.
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Cocker Spaniels: The irresistible dogs with loyalty to melt the coldest of hearts
As the dog world prepares for Crufts 2020, we take a look at the breed of dog which has been crowned Best in Show more often than any other: the cocker spaniel.
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Four of the best cheeses for Christmas, as recommended by the cheesemonger celebrating its 225th birthday
As legendary cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield celebrates its 225th birthday, its experts name four of their best-selling cheeses of all time — while Emma Hughes goes behind the scenes and discovers why this remarkable business has stood the test of time.
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5 drinks to try if you're bored of Pimm's
Swap your lukewarm party pitcher for one of these Continental aperitifs, says Emma Hughes.
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The British dishes that conquered the menus of the world
British food has often been the butt of jokes, but the reach — and popularity — of our island's food is more global than you might think.
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How to make perfect porridge
Porridge is as simple a dish as there is, yet there are dozens of ways to take it from good to great — or, as Goldilocks would have it, from a little too much of this or that to just right. Emma Hughes investigates the dish and speaks to three chefs to get their tips for perfect porridge.
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Crossbreed dogs: 15 of the best non-pedigree chums, from schnoodle to whoodle
The crossbreed is no longer considered an accident and dog owners are going crazy for these new versions. Emma Hughes sorts the schnoodle from the whoodle.
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26 miles of wine and cheese: The madness of the Marathon du Medoc, the world’s daftest (and booziest) running race
It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s most idiotic marathon’: a 26-mile run through vineyards, fuelled by wine and cheese. Emma Hughes finds out if she has the stomach for the legendary Marathon du Médoc.
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Bedlington terriers: The looks of a lamb with the temperament of a terrier
Bedlingtons may be mild-mannered and sensitive, but keep an eye on them when they're off the lead...
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Sealyham terriers: The dogs that are small, friendly, full of character and great for families
We meet the courageous and cheerful Sealyham terrier, one of our rarest native breeds of dog.
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Glen of Imaal terriers: Wilful, adorable and sadly extremely vulnerable
They’re one of our most vulnerable native breeds – but what Glen of Imaal terriers lack in numbers, they make up for in personality, discovers Emma Hughes.
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The return of the milkman: Does this time-honoured tradition still have a place in the 21st century?
Good for farmers and good for the planet, the milk round is back with a 21st-century twist, discovers Emma Hughes.
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The Oxford don who turned his hand to making English rum: ‘It’s like drinking liquid Christmas pudding’
Ten years ago an Oxbridge scientist turned his considerable brainpower to distilling proper Caribbean rum in the heart of Cambridgeshire. Emma Hughes tells his story.
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Dog-friendly London: Where to eat, shop and stay with your four-legged friend
Planning a trip to the capital, but don’t want to leave the most important member of the family at home? Emma Hughes pulls together the ultimate Country Life guide to dog-friendly London. Illustrations by Sholto Walker.
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Tibetan terriers: Friend to the famous, lovably lively and perhaps the Kennel Club's best-kept secret
They have a starry following, but characterful Tibetan terriers are still a well-kept secret. Emma Hughes meets the best dog of which you’ve never heard. Photographs by Sarah Farnsworth.
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How to cook The Prince of Wales’ favourite dish: Pheasant Crumble Pie
See how to make the Prince of Wales's favourite dish, pheasant crumble pie, as demonstrated by John Williams, executive chef at The Ritz in London.
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The most haunted houses that you can visit in England and Wales
Ghosts and country houses go together like strawberries and cream. We name some of the country's best known haunted houses that you can actually visit.
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Country getaways for gourmets
You'll find great food and wine right across the British countryside. Emma Hughes offers her pick of the best gastropubs, restaurants and hotels.
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The secret history of ice cream from Marco Polo to the Queen of Ices, a 'proto-Nigella in a pinny'
Ice cream is the subject of a new exhibition at the British Museum of Food. Emma Hughes went along to have a look – and, of course, a taste. It would have been rude not to.
