The British Cookbook: authentic home cooking recipes from England by Ben Mervis

The British Cookbook: authentic home cooking recipes from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is a captivating hardcover collection that doubles as both a cookbook and a cultural history. Perfect for home cooks, history lovers, parents, teachers, gift buyers, and book lovers, this brand-new volume invites you to explore a diverse tapestry of British cuisine through 550 authentic recipes—from everyday favorites to regional treasures and dishes with global roots.

What makes this book special is its seamless blend of approachable recipes and lively storytelling. Ben Mervis, a Glasgow-based food writer and historian, guides you through a culinary journey across the four nations. Expect clear, user-friendly instructions paired with notes on ingredients and techniques, plus stunning photographs of food and local scenery that bring each page to life. Dishes range from timeless classics like Shepherd's Pie, Welsh Rarebit, Scottish Crumpets, and Victoria Sponge to regional specialties such as Bonfire Night Black Peas and Dublin Bay Prawns. You’ll also find deeply rooted items like Haggis and Devils on Horseback, alongside beloved dishes with international roots such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Curry Goat, and Sesame Prawn Toast.

Chapters cover every facet of British cooking, including Eggs and Dairy, Soups and Stews, Vegetables, Fish and Shellfish, Poultry, Game and Game Birds, Beef, Pork and Lamb, Savoury Pies and Pasties, Stuffings, Dumplings, Porridge and Pastry, Griddle Cakes and Breads, Oven-Baked Breads and Savoury Bakes, Cakes, Buns and Biscuits, Puddings and Pies, and Sauces, Confections and Preserves. This organized structure makes it easy to plan a weeknight family meal, build a comprehensive book collection, or assemble a thoughtful gift set for a foodie friend.

Key features and what you’ll love

• 550 authentic recipes spanning England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
• Rich cultural history with origins and anecdotes for each dish
• Clear, user-friendly instructions and notes on unique ingredients and techniques
• Stunning photography of regional foods and landscapes
• Hardcover edition—durable for kitchen use and avid collectors

About the author: Ben Mervis is a Glasgow-based food writer, researcher, and editor. He founded Fare, a food-focused travel magazine, and conducts research for Netflix's Chef's Table. With experience at noma and the culinary non-profit MAD in Copenhagen, his work reflects deep historical knowledge and a love of pudding-making, making this book a trusted source for families and classroom reading alike.

Product details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781838665289

This book is a delightful addition to any kitchen library and a timeless gift for aspiring chefs, home cooks, and curious readers. Whether you’re building a heartfelt gift set for a foodie, enriching a classroom with practical history, or expanding a global cookbook collection, The British Cookbook offers practical recipes, memorable stories, and lasting inspiration. It’s more than a cookbook—it’s a celebration of British eating, shared with warmth and curiosity.