To paraphrase the Lorax, Alys Fowler ‘speaks for the bees.’ She was at the Ballymaloe Litfest in May, talking about self-funding her latest book Letters to a Beekeeper through internet publisher Unbound. It’s a...
Summer holiday time is fine when the weather is good and we’re all outdoors with sun hats and shorts. But, when the wind changes, the showers arrive and a general air of grumpiness pervades...
We have a cover. And a name. And – almost! – a book. That little project* that I mentioned way back in February? It’s so close to becoming something real, something tangible that Kristin and...
Ever wondered if a 91-year-old cookery writer can rock? Wonder no longer. Diana Kennedy is that woman. A small but indomitable lady in leather trousers who visited Ballymaloe for the recent Literary Festival of...
It wasn’t all chefs and cookery writers at this year’s Ballymaloe LitFest; there was also a very lively drinks theatre which featured good Irish craft beer, natural wines, glorious sherry and unusual cocktails. London-based...
Summer’s here, kids – what are we going to eat? There are a few Irish books floating round at the moment which might help you to make some decisions in that regard. 1. The...
Bringing butter back? Well, if it’s on the cover of Time Magazine, it must be true (just try and forget about this one, which fronted a 1984 story on cholesterol entitled Hold the Eggs...
A week in Wales with old friends from the Husband’s Cambridge days. Four adults, five children under six and Bridie, the Irish terrier, in one house. Staying nearby, another household of four adults and...