The Full English
Food
About
The show that sees the world through food. Hosted by chef and researcher Lewis Bassett, with music and mixing from Forest DLG.Winner of the Guild of Food Writers podcast award 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Floyd and Stein with John Merrick - Last episode!
The final episode of The Full English features editor and writer John Merrick discussing iconic British TV chefs Keith Floyd and Rick Stein. The podcast is produced by Lewis Bassett with mixing and sound design by Forest DLG.
- Fergus Henderson with Zoe Williams and Amber Husain
Zoe Williams and Amber Husain discuss Fergus Henderson's pioneering 'nose-to-tail' eating philosophy, established thirty years ago with the opening of St John restaurant. Lewis Bassett hosts the conversation.
- Jamie Oliver with Rachel Roddy
This episode of The Full English features Rachel Roddy discussing Jamie Oliver's significant influence on British food culture and his relationship with Italian cuisine. They explore how Oliver's campaigns and perspectives on food, particu…
- Alexis Soyer with Pen Vogler and Miranda Carter
This episode discusses Alexis Soyer, a chef who impacted elite dining and public nutrition through innovations like gas stoves and wartime aid. Guests Pen Vogler and Miranda Carter, authors focusing on food history and Soyer's life, join t…
- Elizabeth Raffald with Neil Buttery
Food historian Neil Buttery highlights the culinary contributions of Elizabeth Raffald, an 18th-century English cook. Buttery, author of 'Before Mrs Beeton: Elizabeth Raffald, England's Most Influential Housekeeper,' discusses her influenc…
- Madhur Jaffrey with Mayukh Sen
The Full English podcast features an episode with Mayukh Sen discussing the life and career of Madhur Jaffrey, the actress who popularized Indian cuisine in Britain and America, and her transition to becoming a celebrity chef.
- Ken Hom with Angela Hui
Journalist Angela Hui talks to Lewis Bassett about Ken Hom's influence on Chinese cuisine in Britain and her own book, 'Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter'.
- Elizabeth David part 2 with Ruth Rogers and Jeremy Lee
This episode features Ruth Rogers and Jeremy Lee discussing Elizabeth David's influence. Jeremy Lee is known for his cookbook "Cooking: Simply and Well, for One or Many", and The River Cafe, where Rogers is a chef, has opened a new cafe.
- Elizabeth David part 1 with Artemis Cooper
In the first of two episodes of The Full English, host Lewis speaks with Artemis Cooper, biographer of Elizabeth David, about the compelling life and impact of the influential food writer.
- Marco Pierre White with Ida Février
This episode features Ida Février interviewing Marco Pierre White about his career, his influence on British dining, and his public persona. The discussion is framed within The Full English's season on influential cooks.
- Auguste Escoffier with Luke Barr
Lewis Bassett talks to Luke Barr, author of 'Ritz and Escoffier', about the renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier. Escoffier gained fame in 1890s London at the Savoy Hotel.
- Season 4 trailer
This is the trailer for Season 4 of The Full English podcast. It is hosted on Acast.
- Delia Smith with Felicity Cloake and Zoe Williams
This episode of The Full English features Lewis Bassett, Felicity Cloake, and Zoe Williams discussing Delia Smith's legacy. They explore her influence on British eating habits, her advocacy for spiritualism, and her status as a national tr…
- A pervert's guide to fine dining
This episode of The Full English, titled 'A Pervert's Guide to Fine Dining,' discusses the clientele of ultra-elite restaurants. It features contributions from Andy Hayler, Erin McDonnell, and Robin Burrow, and is produced and presented by…
- Why do we eat turkey at Xmas? A Full English festive special!
The Full English podcast's Christmas special investigates the tradition of eating turkey at Christmas and reviews mince pies. The episode features host Lewis Bassett and guests Forest DLG, Rebecca Spaven, Jemma Greenwood, and food historia…
- What did the Romans do for us?
This episode of The Full English features Thom Ntinas from The Delicious Legacy podcast, discussing the culinary contributions of ancient Romans to Britain, including the origin of the burger. The discussion explores lasting Roman culinary…
- Why everyone loves Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is the nation's most popular coffee shop, surpassing Starbucks and Greggs in number. The episode delves into the reasons behind Costa's success and widespread appeal, featuring insights from coffee historian Jonathan Morris an…
- The hidden history of state-sponsored canteens
The Full English episode discusses the history of British Restaurants, government-sponsored canteens that served food during and after WWII. Professor Bryce Evans of Liverpool Hope University joins to discuss their historical significance…
- Is English wine any good?
Lewis Bassett and Jemma Greenwood talk to Henry Jeffreys about his book 'Vines in a Cold Climate,' which covers the history and people behind the growing English wine industry. They discuss the topic over several bottles of English wine.
- On caffs, not cafes
This episode discusses the concept of the British 'caff,' exploring its origins and potential disappearance. Guests Felicity Cloake and Isaac Rangaswami, who runs Caffs Not Cafes, join host Lewis Bassett to delve into the topic.
- Is it wrong to love meat?
Amber Husain talks to Lewis Bassett about her book "Meat Love," examining the cultural reasons for loving meat, particularly in Britain. They discuss whether capitalism hinders changes to the food system and the ethical considerations of a…
- Should we nationalise Wetherspoons?
This episode of The Full English debates whether JD Wetherspoon should be nationalised, considering its role as a public service accessible to many. Guests discuss the origins of Spoons and the broader concept of public ownership in the pu…
- Henry Dimbleby on how the food system is killing you
Henry Dimbleby, author of 'Ravenous,' explains how the food system impacts public health and the environment. He discusses why exercise is ineffective for weight loss and the challenges food companies face in creating a healthier food syst…
- Ha-Joon Chang on eating the economy
In this interview, economist Ha-Joon Chang discusses his book 'Edible Economics,' covering topics such as the monoculture of economics and the hypocrisy of free trade policies. Chang is a professor of economics at SOAS university London.
- Do high food prices still make us angry?
This episode explores historical food riots, comparing them to contemporary reactions to high food prices. It features economist James Meadway discussing causes and historians Steve Poole and Joe Stanley on historical context, alongside sh…
- Sejal Sukhadwala on the philosophy of curry
Sejal Sukhadwala joins Lewis Bassett to discuss the philosophy of curry, referencing her book and other published works.
- Jerry Percy on whether Brexit has been good for the fishing industry
This episode features Jerry Percy, director of the New Under Ten Fishermen's Association and a retired commercial fisherman, discussing the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry. Lewis hosts the conversation, which includes mixing and s…
- Why are we in love with Greggs?
The Full English podcast explores the phenomenon of Greggs, a UK food retailer selling 3 million sausage rolls weekly. The episode features insights from Jake Grover, Ed Cumming, Sam White, Kate Magee, and Sabine Benoit on the brand's expa…
- James Meadway on why our food is so expensive now
James Meadway discusses the causes of current high food prices, exploring the connection between inflation and trade unions, and examining the recent wave of strikes in the UK. The episode also touches on the broader topic of public reacti…
- Diane Purkiss on a people's history of English food
Diane Purkiss discusses her book, 'English Food: A People's History,' with Lewis Bassett. The conversation covers the definition of English food, its perceived blandness, historical influences like Elizabeth David, GMO fears, and the link…
- Did Margaret Thatcher invent Mr Whippy Ice Cream?
This episode of The Full English explores the rumour that Margaret Thatcher invented Mr Whippy ice cream and discusses its relevance to the modern Conservative Party. Guests include Zoe Philipson, Jon Agar, Ian Lavery, and Will Davies.
- The fish finger bhorta
In the final episode of season one, Lewis Bassett and Forest DLG prepare a fish finger bhorta with Ash Sarkar and explore the concept of English food. The episode features discussions on national cuisine and English identity with various g…
- The invention of 'modern European' food in England
This episode traces the shift in English cuisine from simple fare to modern European styles, highlighting the influence of new middle-class tastes on culture and politics, and challenging the dominance of classical French cuisine. It featu…
- Factory farms
This episode discusses whether regenerative agriculture can solve issues caused by factory farms, or if modern food production has a future role. It features guests including farmers, a nutritionist, a historian, scientists, journalists, a…
- A nice cup of tea (with sugar)
This episode of The Full English explores England's deep connection to tea and sugar, linking it to the British Empire. Guests discuss the historical trade of opium for tea with China and the origins of England's taste for sugar in slavery.
- A land of sheep and glory
This episode of The Full English delves into the history of English sheep farming, its connection to the birth of capitalism, and the culinary evolution of mutton. It features insights from historians, chefs, and farmers, exploring how woo…
- Breakfast
This episode examines the concept of English food and national identity, using the English breakfast as a case study to understand England's reputation for cuisine. It features insights from David Edgerton, Kaori O'Connor, Ben Rogers, Paul…