Food & Drink
Seasonal recipes, restaurant reviews and food and drinks features, from the experts at Country Life.
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What to get the wine lover who has everything? How about a 300-bottle barrel, a string of über-vintages or a wine that comes with a trip on a private jet
One of the most storied wine-producing families in Italy has put up a series of rather incredible bottles (and more) in Christie's impending fine wine auction.
By Toby Keel Published
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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’
By Emma Hughes Published
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Best bar none: The London pub renaissance
Against all odds, the pubs of the capital are thriving. William Hosie raises a glass to their comeback.
By Country Life Published
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A cake with a surprise ingredient that's either a stroke of genius or 'grounds for divorce'
The best way ever to get one of your five a day, or a crime against baking? You decide.
By Toby Keel Published
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An unofficial guide to some very nice whiskies that you can drink this Christmas (or before, if you like)
Freshen up your drinks cupboard with these two fine special releases, as well as three classics that everyone should own (in my unofficial opinion).
By James Fisher Published
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Curious questions: Where did Quality Street get its name from?
You sit there, devouring them all Christmas, and you didn't even think to ask, did you?
By Martin Fone Published
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'After one lunch, our server took £5 out of a tip we had left and handed it back to our gobsmacked four year old. He’s still talking about it': The best places for Sunday lunch in south-west London
Jo Rodgers tracks down the finest roast lunches in London's smartest postcodes to see you through the winter.
By Jo Rodgers Published
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Can a gentleman use food as an aphrodisiac? Tom Parker Bowles on mankind's search for the ultimate 'jiggy jiggy juice'
Tiger's penis, baboon wee, horny goat weed, snake soup — do any of these unusual dishes actually have what it takes to help the wannabe lothario?
By Tom Parker Bowles Published
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Salt of the earth: The secret history of the pub peanut
Having profited from the downfall of the oyster as a bar snack, the salted peanut itself is now in danger of being usurped.
By Rob Crossan Published
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Curious Questions: Margarine used to be pink — but why?
Margarine has been a staple of our breakfast tables for over a century, but it hasn't always had a smooth ride — particularly from the dairy industry, who managed to impose a most bizarre sanction on their easily-spreadable, industrially mass-produced rival. Martin Fone explains.
By Martin Fone Published
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'A British comfort-food classic, it soothes and satisfies in equal measure': Tom Parker Bowles and the perfect cottage pie
A British food classic, the humble cottage pie–lusciously rich beef mince, topped with buttery, yet crisply tipped mashed potato–is guaranteed to sooth and satisfy in equal, economic measure.
By Tom Parker Bowles Published
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The Dawn Chorus: We tried a Guinness shandy so you don't have to
Plus the quiz of the day, swimming the Channel three times to raise money for the Garden Museum, and why the moon looks so big and bright.
By James Fisher Published
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Curious Questions: Wine has been made in Britain for over 1,000 years — so why have we only just turned it into an industry?
With the UK wine industry booming, Martin Fone takes a look at its history.
By Martin Fone Published
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Dessert divine: A pear and saffron clafoutis
This recipe from Melanie Johnson combines two seasonal fruits you can find in your garden to create a sumptuous dessert.
By Melanie Johnson Published
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'Handheld heaven: Tom Parker Bowles on the 'baroque symphony' of spicy, sublime Mexican corn
Hot and cool, sharp and sweet, spicy and sublime, Mexican corn on the cob is peerless — but the golden kernels must never, ever be allowed near a pizza.
By Tom Parker Bowles Published
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'Every month since June 2023 has now ranked as the planet’s hottest... we are challenging everything on which we rely — our weather, our health, our water and our food security'
The effects of climate change 'reach right down into every aspect of the planet’s life, from the spread of disease to the profound changes wrought by rising sea levels and intensive storms,' writes our columnist Agromenes.
By Country Life Published
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A fig, honey and walnut cake that's the perfect autumn bake
Make the most of these sweet late summer fruits, and finish them off with a Cognac glaze.
By Melanie Johnson Published
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'I enjoy seeing people having a good time. That, for me, is the key': Meet some of London's best restaurateurs
The secret to success in hospitality is often a simple one — give people what they want and do it well.
By Tom Parker Bowles Published
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This Victorian boozy blackberry cordial is as good today as it was 150 years ago. Here's how to make it.
Deborah Nicholls-Lee has been delving into the history of the blackberry, and discovered a brandy-enhanced blackberry cordial recipe from Victorian cook Phyllis Browne.
By Deborah Nicholls-Lee Published
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The story of the Victoria plum, and how to serve them roast with nuts and cream
Tom Parker-Bowles on delight of the perfect plum, and a recipe that lets them shine.
By Tom Parker Bowles Published
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Better than Heinz? How to make your own tomato ketchup
Whether using tomatoes from your own kitchen garden, or from the shop, nothing beats home-made.
By Melanie Johnson Published


