Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the renowned cook, writer, and broadcaster, has shared his personal favourite food and drink items, as well as some kitchen secrets, in a recent interview. From his go-to olive oil to the perfect potato, here are his top picks.
Olive Oil and Tea Essentials
When it comes to olive oil, Hugh's favourite is Riverford Organic, which comes in a tin and costs from £12.50. He also occasionally tops up with Honest Toil, priced from £25 for 1 litre. For tea, he always packs Clipper Organic English Breakfast tea bags (£3.79) when travelling abroad, ensuring he can make a decent cup of tea.
Restaurants and Treats
Hugh's favourite London restaurants include St John and Quo Vadis, while The Bull Inn in Totnes, run by Geeti Singh-Watson, is a top gastropub for local organic food. For chocolate, he occasionally treats himself to a Toffee Crisp and a Crunchie, nostalgic favourites from his childhood.
Toast, Fish and Chips, and Coffee
For toast toppings, Hugh recommends Carley's almond nut butter (£4.65) or classic crunchy peanut butter (£3.25). The best fish and chips, he says, are at The Marlboro in Weymouth, a sustainably sourced spot since the 1970s. For coffee, he rates Dirtea's mushroom coffee and Goose & Badger from Soulshine restaurant in Bridport (from £9.50).
Secret Ingredient and Potato Choice
Hugh's secret ingredient for gravy is a pinch of instant coffee for umami flavour. He also loves Hodmedod's UK-grown pulses and beans. If he could only eat one potato, it would be homegrown Ratte potatoes (£2.75) buttered with chopped mint.
Bread, Butter, and Kitchen Utensils
For toast, he recommends Co-op's seeded sourdough (£2.65). His preferred butter is Brue Valley's organic salted butter (£3.50). The most useful kitchen gadgets are a potato ricer and a hand-forged santoku knife by blacksmith Alex Pole of The Forge in Dorset.
Condiment, Cheese, and Fridge Staples
Colman's English mustard is his favourite condiment. For cheese, he chooses Beenleigh Blue, a blue sheep's-milk cheese (£13.90). His fridge always contains sauerkrauts, kimchis, River Cottage kombuchas, and a bottle of Black Cow vodka.
Dream Holiday Destination
Hugh's dream foodie holiday is Île de Ré in France, where his mother-in-law lives, offering great organic produce, local fish, and brilliant cheeses.
High Fibre Heroes by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is published by Bloomsbury, £26. To order a copy for £22.10 until 14 June, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
