Food Matters for Food Lovers

Food writer and commentator Mallika Basu will lead an immersive weekend of expert-led discussion and hands (and tastebuds)-on activities to offer a deeper understanding of food, health, the planet and storytelling through food. With very special guests including chef and cookbook author, Keshia Sakarah and Managing Editor of Good Food and Olive Magazine, Lulu Grimes.

Designed for food enthusiasts and writers who want to understand the environmental impact of food, this course will:

• explore the context of sustainable and responsible food systems, from production to consumption, and how our personal choices impact the world around us
• examine how the ways we talk and write about food, as well as build and promote food brands, can contribute to positive change in our behaviours and actions
• provide space, tools and expert tips for budding and established food writers to nourish their practice.

Whether you're passionate about food writing, ingredients or restaurants, deepening your knowledge in these areas helps shape a more inclusive, sustainable, tasty and tasteful future.

With tastings taking place on both days, please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements as soon as you purchase your ticket by emailing adultlearning@bl.uk. Please contact us to discuss your accessibility requirements.

Course programme

Day one, Saturday 10 May 2025 – Sustainable diets and the food system:

We’ll begin the day with an introduction to the Library and the extensive food-related areas of our collection. You’ll get to grips with using our services for your own research and writing, then dive into examining the food system and what planet-friendly eating looks like.

We’ll then take a visit to our exhibition, Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, to explore the connections between gardening, food, eating habits and environmental issues.

We end the day with a group challenge (and some teatime treats) to think about sustainable futures.

Day two, Sunday 11 May 2025 – Writing, publishing and communicating in food:

After reflecting on our first day, we’ll explore the art of storytelling with food and reflect on our own food memories before diving into other forms of food writing. From memoir to journalism, blogs and reviews, we’ll look at how different writers shape their food narratives.

After lunch we’ll be joined by special guests, cookbook author and chef, Keshia Sakarah, and Managing Editor of Good Food and Olive Magazines, Lulu Grimes for unique industry insights and Q&A.

We wrap up the day with a session on finding your own food voice, with tips and ideas to practice writing and creating your own tasty content.

Programme is subject to change.

Your support

The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.