*WINNER OF THE FORTNUM & MASON FOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014*

Inspired by those who were bold enough to make that leap, but firmly rooted in London, food writer Jojo Tulloh wondered if some kind of peasant-like self-sufficiency could be achieved for city-dwellers; looking around her she found she was not alone.Beneath Victorian railway arches, on inner city roof tops and on borrowed land, a new breed of food producers were baking bread, making cheese, keeping bees and growing vegetables. Inspired by their success, Jojo watched and learned.

In this evocative and illuminating book, Jojo shares her knowledge of this fast-changing culinary scene. Alongside vivid stories from her visits to producers and tips for baking and pickling, fermenting and foraging, she presents fresh tasting, achievable recipes for modern peasants – sourdough pizzas of nettles and sausage, celebratory paellas of squid and home-grown peppers, chutneys, jam and pickles – and in doing so shows how a food philosophy that takes the best from past traditions can put flavour and excitement back into everyday cooking – even amidst the roar of city life.

Prizes

Winner of Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Award 2014 (UK),Short-listed for Andre Simon Memorial Fund Book Award 2014 (UK)

This book is the thoughtful, entertaining result -- Carolyn Hart * Telegraph *
Both bold and intelligent…You will not put it down, I guarantee you. And when finished you will want to show it to your friends * The Foodie Bugle *
Enchanting * Mail on Sunday *
An interesting and inspiring read and one I am likely to return to in future for reference * Saffron Strands *
As elegant and original as [Tulloh’s] recipes. Beautiful prose. Woodcut-style illustrations instead of photographs -- Henry Dimbleby * Guardian *
Even if keeping your own hens will only ever be a dream, it’s fascinating to read of the highs and lows faced by those living the good life -- Sally Hughes * BBC Good Food Magazine *
A pleasurable and inspirational jaunt through the philosophy of self-sufficiency that just might be the impetus for kick-starting a whole new different way of life * UK Regional Press *
A tempting and considered guide to swapping convenience foods for the homegrown, homemade and sustainable * The Simple Things *
This well-versed book is like a wonderful introduction to the best culinary library out there… It’s a must for any foodie -- Alys Fowler * Gardens Illustrated *
An interwoven tapestry of recipes, food philosophy and sparkling storytelling * Food and Travel *

Jojo Tulloh is food editor of the current affairs magazine, The Week. She writes about food and gardens for a number of national newspapers and magazines and in her spare time works her allotment in Leyton, east London. Her first book, East End Paradise, was published in 2009. She lives in London with her family and a hive of bees.