top of page



Time (at last) for a Beach Picnic
<p class="">We go back to the beach with Dan the Fishman for the first seafood picnic in 18 months - good to be back having an adventure after 18 months in pandemic lockdown </p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 14, 20216 min read


Bouillabaisse & Seafood Stew Secrets
Unlocking the secrets of authentic French Bouillabaisse: traditional Marseille methods, rapid boiling techniques, saffron broth, and home-cooked seafood tips.
Martin Hesp
Jan 15, 20217 min read


Winter BBQ Halfway Up An Alp
Having a barbecue halfway up a Swiss mountain in winter might not sound like much fun - but it can be fantastic experience if you happen to have a snug and cosy BBQ-hut to cook in
Martin Hesp
Jan 1, 20212 min read


Christmas Beer
<p class="">Making winter beer - the art of traditional ale making in winter</p>
Martin Hesp
Dec 15, 20205 min read


Winter Salads
<p class="">Winter salads are a must at this time of the year - Martin Hesp enjoys making healthy raw food in winter</p>
Martin Hesp
Dec 6, 20205 min read


Dreaming of Daios Cove: Pure Coastal Luxury in Crete
Carved into the rugged sea cliffs of north-eastern Crete, Daios Cove offers an unforgettable blend of dramatic architecture, private beach seclusion, and world-class Cretan gastronomy. Step inside one of the Greek Islands' finest luxury retreats.
Martin Hesp
Jul 6, 20207 min read


The British Cheese Renaissance: Passion, Pasture, and Craftsmanship
Britain is home to some of the finest artisan cheesemakers in the world. From clothbound Cheddars to rich, hand-crafted specialty cheeses, explore the passion, soil health, and traditional techniques driving the British cheese renaissance.
Martin Hesp
Jun 10, 20206 min read


Tamarisk Farm
An essay recalling a fascinating trip to a wonderful organic farm on the Dorset coast
Martin Hesp
Jun 9, 20206 min read


Authentic Food Markets: From Exmoor to Sarawak & Beyond
From bidding for livestock high on Exmoor to dodging mob chases in Martinique and sampling mysterious street-food delicacies in Sarawak, travel writer Martin Hesp celebrates the sights, smells, and vital human interaction of traditional food markets around the world.
Martin Hesp
Jun 6, 20207 min read


St George’s Mushrooms: The Magic of May Foraging in the West Country
Most people associate wild mushroom foraging with crisp autumn afternoons, but May brings one of the culinary calendar's finest prizes: St George’s mushroom. Martin Hesp explores the meadows and chalk downs of the West Country in search of Calocybe gambosa—a firm, fragrant spring fungus that arrives around St George’s Day.
Martin Hesp
May 25, 20207 min read


Guide to Wood-Fired Cooking: Mastering the Outdoor Flame
There is nothing quite like the flavor of food cooked over a live wood fire. Martin Hesp explores the ancient art of wood-fired cooking, from selecting the right logs to managing outdoor heat.
Martin Hesp
Apr 25, 20206 min read


Artisan Cheese and Climate Change: An Interview with Mary Quicke of Quicke’s Cheddar
How does climate change threaten traditional cheese? In this exclusive interview, Mary Quicke of Quicke's Cheddar discusses sustainable dairy farming, pasture health, and the future of Devon food.
Martin Hesp
Apr 13, 20207 min read


The Return of the Shrub: How to Make and Drink Traditional Fruit Cordials
From coastal Cornish smugglers to the world's trendiest craft cocktail bars, Martin Hesp explores the fascinating history of the fruit shrub—and shares how to make this ultimate vinegar-infused drink at home.
Martin Hesp
Apr 3, 20205 min read


The Magic of Artisan Baking: Making Your Own Sourdough Bread
Discover the ancient, slow-food magic of baking your own sourdough. From nurturing a wild yeast starter to folding local West Country stoneground dough, Martin Hesp explores why traditional baking is worth the time.
Martin Hesp
Apr 2, 20209 min read


Foraging Wild Food in Estuaries: The Salt-Marsh Larder
From Michelin-starred kitchens to the mudflats of the River Teign, join Martin Hesp and expert chef David Beazley as they brave the winter elements to uncover the rich culinary bounty of estuary foraging.
Martin Hesp
Mar 31, 20206 min read


Wild Food Foraging: Field to Plate Secrets from the Experts
A journey into the hedgerows and salt marshes with professional foragers and executive chefs to uncover the flavours, safety rules, and culinary magic of Britain's wild food larder.
Martin Hesp
Mar 26, 20209 min read


Importance of Local Grown Food
Fresh local food tastes better, supports British farmers and helps protect the countryside we all enjoy. Discover why buying seasonal produce from farm shops, markets and local producers benefits your health, your community and the environment.
Martin Hesp
Mar 25, 20207 min read


Lundy Island: Cooking, Wildlife and Adventure on Devon's Atlantic Isle
Lundy is far more than a remote island in the Bristol Channel. Join me for a memorable adventure combining freshly cooked seafood, dramatic Atlantic scenery, abundant wildlife and the unique atmosphere of one of Britain's most extraordinary island escapes.
Martin Hesp
Feb 22, 20209 min read


Visit to Ciutadella
Escape the winter gloom with a journey to Ciutadella, Menorca’s sunlit old capital. Rise above its fjord-like harbour to wander narrow streets steeped in Moorish heritage, sample exceptional fresh seafood tapas at the ancient working market, and uncover the town's dramatic Mediterranean history.
Martin Hesp
Jan 28, 20205 min read


Clever Canarian Cooking - the Cuisine of a Sunlit Archipelago
You can make your own sunshine." When midwinter feels chilly and grey, the vibrant flavours of the Canary Islands offer a liquid explosion of heat and light. Discover the secrets of authentic Canarian mojo—from fiery red garlic pastes to creamy green coriander dips—and learn how to bring the taste of Lanzarote to your own kitchen
Martin Hesp
Jan 3, 20204 min read
bottom of page