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Reviewing in Edinburgh & Beyond since 2003
Trusted, local, independent and telling stories that
deserve to be told
Explore the world of food through Bite’s curated book reviews—where recipes meet memoir, and culinary heritage is lovingly unpacked. From Ghillie Basan’s whisky-infused journeys to Elisabeth Luard’s reflections on family and food, this section highlights titles that nourish both palate and imagination. Expect tributes to Elizabeth David, interviews with food historians, and seasonal Scottish cookbooks reviewed by regional experts. Whether you’re a cookbook collector or a curious reader, these reviews offer insight, warmth, and a dash of wit.
Scotland’s only dedicated cookbook shop to open in Edinburgh
Haddington Place Scotland's only dedicated cookbook shop. T he Cookbook Shop , is set to open on Haddington Place in Edinburgh early next year. Founded by Martyn and Liz Bryson, a couple with extensive careers in editing and publishing, the venue will bring together a passion for food, books and creativity, offering a welcoming community space that celebrates both culinary literature and the joy of sharing good food. To help make the vision a reality, the pair have launched
Sharon Wilson
2 days ago2 min read
Gloagburn - Recipes From A Scottish Farm by Alison Niven
Recipes from the cafe next to Gloagburn Farm There are no shortage of recipes out there – our social feeds are full of them on a daily basis, from every cuisine and culture imaginable. New cookery books pop up at what feels like a relentless pace at times. It can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through this column, we try to spotlight some books closer to home, produced by cooks and writers living and working in Scotland. To show the talent we have right here. To support them a
Fiona Richmond
Nov 43 min read
A First Taste of Feast, the cookbook by Sarah Rankin
Sarah's second book, the first was Kith Feast is the second cookbook from MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin . It features nearly 100 recipes across 15 themed menus designed for every kind of gathering—from Hogmanay parties and Sunday brunches to pizza nights and summer picnics. Each menu includes seasonal Scottish produce and a paired drink, with dishes that can be served together or enjoyed individually. Rankin’s style blends global inspiration with local ingredients, celeb
Vivian Maeda
Oct 302 min read
Food Whisky Life by Ghillie Basan
Available now It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Ghillie Basan. It’s been about 14 years since I first discovered her work, having randomly...
Fiona Richmond
Sep 123 min read
Family Life – Birth, Death and the Whole Damn Thing - By Elisabeth Luard
A life through food A recent cookbook launch at Toppings Book Shop, the unveiling of Caroline Eden’s third book in her Colour Trilogy,...
Bite
Jun 182 min read
The Scots Kitchen. F. Marian McNeill - by Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink
Published by Birlinn It was somewhat bittersweet when a copy of the refreshed edition of The Scots Kitchen l anded on my doorstep....
Fiona Richmond
Jun 53 min read
Green Mountains - a book launch at Toppings Bookshop
Green Mountains follows Black Sea and Red Sands As May blossoms I reflect on my two outstanding cultural events of the year so far. I...
Sharon Wilson
May 53 min read
A Book of Mediterranean Food By Elizabeth David
Reviewed by Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink Like me, if the name Elizabeth David brings a sense of awe and...
Fiona Richmond
Feb 92 min read
Kith by Sarah Rankin is a cosy culinary cuddle says Lea Harris
Scottish Seasonal Food My favourite part with cookbooks (apart from the recipes and good-looking photography) has to be the stories...
Lea Harris
Dec 21, 20242 min read
The Changing Tides – Roberta Hall-McCarron
The qualities that make a good cookbook are as subjective as those of any creative output. Some people prefer ornate prose and a healthy...
Ruari Sutherland
Nov 7, 20242 min read
Cold Kitchen: A Year of Culinary Journey by Caroline Eden reviewed by Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink
Every once in a while, there’s a book that takes you into another world, to the unfamiliar; a book that stops you in your tracks and...
Fiona Richmond
Oct 30, 20243 min read
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink, chats with Peter Gilchrist, Food historian and writer aka the Tenement Kitchen.
Congratulations on winning the Guild of Food Writers Best Newcomer award recently. What does it mean to you? I wasn’t expecting it at...
Fiona Richmond
Aug 13, 20243 min read
Seafood Journey: Tastes & Tales of Scotland; by Ghillie Basan, book review by Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink
Anything that tells the story of Scotland’s seafood attracts my attention, with my ancestors hailing from the tight-knit fishing...
Fiona Richmond
Mar 19, 20242 min read
HAAR - The New Hebridean Kitchen
HAAR The New Hebridean Kitchen was published on December 3rd and is a cookbook written by the late Murdo Alex Macritchie who died of...
Sharon Wilson
Dec 21, 20223 min read
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