English Cuisine and British Books #2

A first article on English cuisine and British books called for a second. There was no shortage of material to continue this gourmet and cultural overview.

English Cuisine and British Books ; The Return

British culture never stops inspiring, on social media as in everyday life. The previous article (in French) mixed several sources, between books and websites. This one focuses solely on books. Not all are recipe books, but each celebrates the English way of life in its own way.

English Cuisine and Cultural Books

J’aime Londres and Mrs Beeton

Cuisine from across the Channel is enjoying a real revival. Long criticised, it is being rediscovered through carefully crafted books, sometimes brought up to date. To begin, inspiration comes before cooking. In J’aime Londres, Alain Ducasse carefully lists the capital’s best addresses. This generous guide is consulted like a true bible.

Another landmark book, Mrs Beeton tells the life of Isabella and Samuel Beeton in the Victorian era. The young woman compiled many recipes and tips to create a reference book. Published in 1861, her Book of Household Management became a classic in British homes. Translated into French for the first time in 2022, the book is enriched with new anecdotes.

À la Table de Jane Austen, Tea Time à Londres and Simple

Three recipe books, some more recent than others, complete this selection. À la table de Jane Austen dives straight into the author’s well-known aristocratic world. Its culinary angle makes it an indulgent and original book. Its French edition has a fuchsia pink cover.

Tea Time à Londres is one of the classics of this English library. It brings together easy, indulgent British-inspired recipes. A reliable book that never disappoints.

With Simple, London-based chef Yotam Ottolenghi offers comforting, accessible cooking. Slow-cooked dishes and generous flavours take centre stage. For those with a sweet tooth, his baking book Sweet (in French) is also worth a look. Fans of the chef can also visit his London restaurants.

Vintage Tea Time and Vintage Tea Party

Vintage is an original, instantly recognisable style. In several books, author Angel Adoree shares her love of vintage and tea time. These two books stand out in particular. Their very polished illustrations invite you to host an old-fashioned tea party.

The Great Dixter Cookbook and Grow Your Own Fruit and Vegetables in Pots

Gardens, cooking and good vegetables meet in these two books. They are by Aaron Bertelsen, gardener at the famous Great Dixter estate in East Sussex. Published a few years ago, these books are becoming rare, but they are worth seeking out. They reveal the world of British gardens with relish. Two beautiful books to savour with the eyes first.

The Platinum Jubilee Cookbook ; Royal English Cuisine

To finish, a real treat. The Platinum Jubilee Cookbook pays tribute to the culinary history surrounding the Windsor family. Queen Elizabeth II’s seventy-year reign saw countless chefs, dishes and trends come and go. This book is a true bible for lovers of royalty.

This second selection pays tribute to good food and passion. To savour English culture without leaving Switzerland, the English food trip in Switzerland (in French) offers some great addresses. A third episode may one day see the light of day.

Bon Appétit