Summer is Served
WITH JIMI FAMUREWA & LEYLA KAZIM
This summer, we’ve asked some of our favourite foodies to share a little of their expertise with us, as we celebrate the sunniest season with a series of mouthwatering recipes, adventures and more.
It was along Regent’s Canal in London, with the weather set to fair, that we caught up with restaurant critic, author and journalist Jimi Famurewa, alongside travel and food presenter Leyla Kazim for a ‘secret London’ adventure. You may have seen their culinary prowess as critics on MasterChef: The Professionals, but closer to home Jimi won Restaurant Writer of the Year 2021 at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, while Leyla was a judge at this year’s awards. And this summer, we’ve joined them on a journey of delicious adventure through the best of London’s hidden gems.
“Greenwich Park is not most people’s first choice when it comes to London picnicking spots – too obvious, too busy – but it is an enormously special place with many happy memories. From pelting down the hill on my skateboard as an adolescent to devouring cheese and olives beneath the trees in my 30s, it has been a constant source of summer joy.”
Jimi Famurewa
“When the upcoming weekend weather forecast was good, my aunts, uncles, and cousins would rally, head to one of the parks that permitted BBQs and get the mangal going! Each family would bring a dish and my Dad was responsible for his famous overnight marinated chicken shish - always a crowd pleaser.”
Leyla Kazim
Jimi and Leyla's Top Ten Hidden London Summertime Spots
London is a city full of adventures waiting to happen, many along well-trodden paths, but it’s also home to a host of less-well known but absolutely joyful places to spend your summer days…
Jimi's Fortnum's Favourites
From the ‘piercing tartness and nose-clearing’ abilities of our Piccadilly Piccalilli to the ‘hulking specimens’ that are our Scotch Eggs, ‘a total must at picnics’ describes Jimi, he’s also rather partial to the ‘life changing, Worcester sauced-laced cult classic’ Fortnum’s 181 Sauce and the perfectly judged Cocoa Dusted Milk Chocolate Almonds that Jimi fears he could ‘inhale an entire tin without realising’. Discover Jimi’s favourites here.
Leyla's Fortnum's Favourites
It is the season of the picnic, so popping the cork on our crisp, elegant Fortnum’s Rosé Sparkling Tea is a must – ‘a fabulous non-alcoholic option for any occasion’ explains Leyla. And ‘if you’re going to buy Stilton, you’ve got to get this gorgeous ceramic refillable jar’, and a spoonful of our Fig & Fennel Chutney to any cheese plate is essential. Discover Leyla’s handpicked edit here.
Explore the Full Edit
Continue your Summer is Served journey with more of our favourite foodies here...