Rick Stein: ‘I’m open to most things, but I can’t stand chocolate and marshmallow’

The chef and broadcaster on growing up on a farm, the best post-booze food, and why running a restaurant was never his ambition

What’s the silliest question you can ask a restaurant critic? (And yes, I have the answer)

It’s fair to say that, after 25 years of writing reviews, I have eaten in a lot of restaurants. But I’ve always thought it ludicrous to pick a favourite

Joseph’s Brasserie, London: ‘Let’s celebrate’ – restaurant review

With its smoky flavours and heady scents, this new west London restaurant showcases the best of Lebanese food

Mauby, London: ‘Exactly the vibe you want’ – restaurant review

The great spicy tastes of the Caribbean have been given a thorough shakedown at this eminently affordable, friendly new place in Brockley

1 York Place, Bristol: ‘Does the job beautifully’ – restaurant review

The eclectic menu here wanders right across Europe – but diners will want to stay right where they are

Tapas not tantrums: we put food at the centre of our Barcelona family holiday

On a rail trip to Spain from the UK via Paris, our writer discovers a great way of travelling happily with children …

Meet your makers: the artisans who help make eating out magical

Bespoke ceramics, evocative music playlists, handmade leather aprons – we may not always notice them, but these are the things that make eating out magical

Si King’s secret ingredient: yellow split peas

The Hairy Biker cook on the pleasures of ‘Geordie hummus’

Sarah Perry: faith, telescopes and the perils of pigeon-holing writers

The Essex Serpent novelist discusses the connection between astrophysics and her religious upbringing … and over-doing all you can eat sushi

The crunch, the flavours, the rituals: how crisps became a British snack obsession

From morale boosters in the blitz to comfort food in the pandemic, a short history from ready salted to oyster and vinegar

Maroto, London: ‘I really can’t recommend it’ – restaurant review

The experiment with five flavours at this Brazilian-inspired place will leave diners feeling only bitter

Cooking for one? Sometimes frozen lasagne just won’t cut it and life calls for a cheese soufflé

A new book of classic but simple recipes makes solo cooking more pleasure than chore

Ken Hom: ‘I was petrified of being in front of the camera. Doing TV was a nightmare’

The chef and broadcaster on peeling prawns by the kilo, his bicultural pride and being ‘addicted’ to fish and chips

One spicy roast chicken, four brilliant meals – recipes

Make this chicken alla diavola, then use the leftovers for a Vietnamese salad, a spinach curry and a shawarma pitta. Plus inspiration for five more dishes

When pubs and restaurants close, our culture is a casualty

Hospitality jobs have long kept struggling artists, actors and musicians going. When those gigs go, the arts are diminished too